Property worth crores lost in Maoist sponsored economic blockade

Ranchi, June 26 (UNI) The CPI(Maoist)- sponsored 48-hour economic blockade in Jharkhand left a cascading impact on economy leading to loss of property worth hundreds of crores following blowing up of a goods train, railway tracks and disruption of several passenger trains across the state.

The adminsitration sounded an alert across the state to contain violent attacks on government installations in the wake of the Maoists' stir that began from mid-night last night.

In Latehar district, Moaist rebels detonated two bombs damaging 13 bogies of a goods train and tracks between Cheter and Richughata railway stations under Barkakana-Barwadih sections.

A report from Pakur district said six dumpers were torched by the ultras last night at Panam Coal Mines Project and assaulted some of the employees.

After the arsons the authorities fanned out armed security personel to thwart further attempt on railway assets and cancelled and re-routed several passengers trains in view of the blockade.

The lifting of coal, bauxite, iron ore and other minerals was badly affected by the stir.

The railway tracks near the Eastern cabin of the Barwadih railway station were damaged after an explosion at about 0330 hours by the ultras. The over-head wires were also damaged after an electric pole fell following the explosion.

The ultras also stopped a coal laden goods train between Rania and Barkakana railway stations late last night in Dhanbad railway division.

Movement of trains was also disrupted for about an hour after the ultras blocked a railway crossing by putting a truck at tracks at Isri Bazar area in Giridih district.

Meanwhile, a pair of trains, including the 8611 Ranchi-Varanasi inter-city express, was cancelled for June 25 and 26, while the 2873 Jharkhand Swarnjayanti Express and the 8612 Varanasi-Hatia inter-city express have been cancelled for tomorrow and routes of Varanasi-Ranchi inter-city and 8102 Jammutawi Hatia Express had also been changed.

Director General of Police J B Mahapatra said that all vulnerable areas would come under strict vigil with special emphasis on railways, the easy target of the Maoists during such agitations.

He said efforts were on to deploy pilot engines before passenger trains and rerouting of some to avoid further casualty on railway properties.

Besides, measures were being taken to ensure normal traffic on the roads.

About 18 districts out of total 22 in Jharkhand are Maoist dominated.

UNI