Maoist shutdown disrupts normal life in Medinipur

Medinipur (West Bengal), June 22 (ANI): Normal life was affected in Medinipur region of West Bengal, as vehicular traffic, shops, schools and colleges were all affected due to the 48-hour Bandh call given by the Maoists, as a mark of protest against the security forces's action in Lalgarh.

"Maoists have called for the shutdown because of the atrocities on them and we read about it newspapers and saw it on televisions. As we wanted peace to prevail, we kept the shops and rest of the places shut," said Ramesh Mukherjee, a local resident.

Police and allied para-military forces deputed by the central government had regained control of Lalgarh police station, which was captured by Maoist rebels in one of the most brazen attacks in recent years that sparked unease in state.

The Maoists had given a call for 48-hour shutdown in five states West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, Bihar, Orissa and Jharkhand, demanding the clampdown by security forces in Lalgarh be withdrawn. (ANI)