Maoists bandh passes off peacefully in AP

Hyderabad, July 2 (UNI) The Bharat Bandh called by the CPI (Maoists) today evoked poor response in Andhra Pradesh and passed off peacefully.

Police said additional forces were deployed at border areas and high alert sounded in costal Andhra and naxal-infested areas where the state-owned RTC bus services were suspended.

Checks were conducted in Railway stations and other public places following suspicion the Maoists would infiltrate the state in wake of their attack on the Greyhound personnel four days ago at Balimela Reservoir on the Orissa-Andhra Border.

Security for VVIPS was strenghtened and they were advised not to travel in remote areas without police permission.

Police called upon the Maoists to join the mainstream, an official release said.

UNI AP GM SR CS2104