A 24-hour bandh called by the CPI(Maoist) paralysed normal life in different parts of Purulia on Thursday. The bandh was called to urge the people to boycott the upcoming panchayat polls.
The Maoists have demanded the expedition of development projects in the backward areas. On Wednesday night, they distributed handbills and leaflets in Balarampur and Barabazar areas.
Normal life was affected in southern parts of Purulia like Bandwan, Barabazar, Bagmundi and Arsha. Shops and other establishments remained closed. The number of vehicles plying was nominal except a few government buses. The bandh did not, however, affect normal life in Raghunathpur subdivison.
The party has decided not to campaign in areas where the bandh has been successful. The party’s district committee secretary, Nakul Mahato strongly criticised the district police for its failure to check Maoist activities in the district, particularly in the area bordering Jharkhand, in the run-up to the panchayat polls.
“Instead of criminals, the intelligence branch of the district police has been watching our leaders closely. Party supporters in Bandwan and Balrampur areas are fearing for their lives after the murders leaders this week.”
Purulia SP Asoke Prasad said that security had already beefed up after the murders. “The bandh called by the Maoists has had little impact in the district,” he added.
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