Bandh in Dantewara, Bijapur to protest naxalite violence

Jagdalpur, Chhattisgarh, Jun 7 (UNI) A bandh was today observed in Dantewara and Bijapur districts with business establishments remaining closed to protest increasing naxalite violence in the Bastar region.

The bandh call was given during a meeting of business organisations and prominent citizens in which Leader of Opposition Mahendra Karma and senior BJP leader Vijay Tiwari were present.

The meeting criticised incidents of naxalite violence, including damaging electric towers in Jhara valley in Narayanpur district recently affecting power supply in four districts, including Dantewara and Bijapur.

A strong action against naxalites was demanded during the meeting.

A Chhattisgarh State Electricity Board spokesperson said repair work of electric towers was being carried out on war footing. More than 170 employees had been engaged in this task.

Two companies of the CRPF had been deployed at the place. Bastar range Inspector General of Police R K Vij was also present.

Meanwhile, naxals set a tractor on fire near Chhotenagar in Narayanpur district. The tractor was carrying water for labourers engaged in repair work of electric towers. No one was injured in the incident.

UNI