CPI (Maoist) bandh evokes mixed response in Bihar

Patna, Mar 20 (UNI) The CPI (Maoist)-sponsored 24-hour statewide bandh in protest against police firing in Nandigram evoked mixed response in Bihar today.

The bandh had its impact in the extremist-dominated pockets and in the rural areas.

Vehicular traffic remained thin in the affected areas of Magadha and Munger division, where long route vehicles went off the roads.

Most of the business establishments remained closed in the remote areas of Gaya district.

Magadha range Deputy Inspector General of Police Umesh Kumar Singh said the bandh had its impact in the extremism-affected Arwal and Aurangabad districts.

Train services were normal during the day in the region, he claimed, saying special vigil was maintained on the railway tracks following the bandh call.

Meanwhile, state Home Secretary Afzal Amanullah said the bandh was peaceful and no untoward incident was reported from any corner.

He said the Police Superintendents of the extremist-dominated districts were directed to use force in case of any violence.

Security forces, including CRPF, SAP and district police, were deployed in the sensitive areas, he said, adding combing operation had been launched in the forest of Rohtas district to arrest the extremists.

East Central Railways (ECR) cancelled three pairs of Express trains, 11 passenger trains and also changed the route of the trains passing through the extremism-affected region.

UNI