Maoist shutdown compel railway authorities to tighten security in Patna

Patna (Bihar), May 18 (ANI): In the wake of a two-day shutdown call of Maoists in five states, the Railway authorities have tightened its security measures here.

Maoists have called for a two-day shutdown beginning today in the five states of West Bengal, Jharkhand, Bihar, Orissa and Chhattisgarh, to protest the anti-Maoist operations by aramilitary forces.

Railway Protection Forces (RPF) personnel have been deployed at the railway station, to check the railway tracks with metal detectors to avoid any untoward incident.

"We along with the forces are checking for explosives at the Patna Junction. We are checking cars as well. We are also checking the railway property like engines. We are on high alert. Every corner of the station has forces deployed with metal detectors," said A.M. Sharma, Sub Inspector, RPF, Patna.

The passengers appeared pleased with the security arrangements, but asserted that it should remain in the similar fashion throughout the year.

"On orders of Railways Minister Mamta Banerjee, every coach of the trains is being checked. People are very happy to see the kind of investigation and security arrangements," said Binod Kumar, a passenger.

"But the main thing is that the kind of Maoist alertness now should be maintained. We strongly demand that," he added. (ANI)