Bandh total in West Midnapore

Midnapore, Apr 8 (UNI) Life came to a standstill in west Midnapur district today following the bandh call by Maoists in the three districts of West Midnapur, Bankura and Purulia in West Bengal.

The bandh was called to protest the alleged violation of democratic rights of the people owing to the excess security arrangements on the eve of the polls.

The bandh was almost total in Belpahari, Banspahari, Kankrajhore, Lalgarh and Binpur areas, Superintendent of Police Ajay Nanda said.

Shops and markets remained closed. Buses did not ply and attendance in government offices were below normal.

Meanwhile, a red alert has been declared in all these areas on the eve of the elections.

Most of the 250 companies of paramilitary force have already arrived and taken command in these areas, the SP added.

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