CPI(Maoist) convenes 24-hour bandh in three states tomorrow

Patna, Sep 22 (UNI) The Proscribed CPI(Maoist) has called a 24-hour bandh in Bihar, Jharkhand and Chhatisgarh tomorrow to protest the arrest of its comrades by the Jharkhand Police last week.

Announcing the party's decision, Secretary of the CPI(Maoist)'s 'special area committee' Rakesh today said three senior members of the party, including Central Committee member Bhaskar alias Surnimal, were arrested at Rania in Khoonti district of Jharkhand and were taken to an undisclosed place.

Police did not even disclose their whereabouts and it was apprehended that the comrades might have been killed by the police in a fake encounter, Mr Rakesh alleged.

Urging the party activists to ensure a total bandh, beginning at 0600 hrs simultaneously in all the three states tomorrow, Rakesh sought the people's full cooperation in their agitation.

Meanwhile, police here said all district Police Superintendents had been asked to ensure foolproof security in all the extremist- dominated districts and beef up security in and around all government offices, railway stations, bus terminuses and other public places.

All district police headquarters in the state had also been asked to remain on full alert and be prepared to send reinforcement at short notice in case of any eventuality.

Among the extremism-affected districts in Bihar are Jehanabad, Aurangabad, Gaya, Arwal, Jamui, Bhagalpur and Munger.

UNI