Blockade causes extensive economic loss

Ranchi, June 15 (UNI) The two-day ''Chakka Jam'' called by Maoists ended peacefully in Jharkhand today amid tight security even as it caused an estimated loss of several crores of rupees.

Jharkhand, with almost one third of the total mineral content in the country has several iron ore, bauxite, coal, dolomite, lime stone, mica and other mineral mines, but 18 out of 22 districts were naxal dominated. Iron ore, bauxite, coal and other mineral carriage and general road transport was almost completely paralysed during the blockade.

Reports from different parts of the state said no major untoward incident took place during the blockade but road transport was badly disrupted causing extensive economic loss to the state.

Official sources told UNI here that extra forces had been deployed at sensitive places following the blockade call.

DGP V D Ram and Home Secretary J B Tubid made an ariel survey of the naxal affected areas and reviewed the security arrangements.

Routes of some trains were changed while some remained cancelled.

Extra precaution was taken for the safety of railway stations and other railway property since it was the most vulnerable target of the ultras.

Several people, including security personnel, lost their lives have been killed in naxal violence in the past two decades.

UNI RAJ KK YA GC2040