Security beefed up in border areas as Maoists call bandh

Security in the areas bordering with Jharkhand and Odisha has been tightened up to avoid any untoward incident as the Maoist had called for a two-day bandh in those places.

The Maoists had called the bandh on May 2 and 3 in the bordering areas of Jharkhand, Odisha and West Bengal protesting against the hike in the price of kendua leaves.

It may be mentioned that the Maoist trouble had been brought under control in West Bengal after the change of guard in the state. Peace has been restored in Jangalmahal where free movement of people even in afternoon was considered to be risky.

Besides taking steps to restore peace by restricting the infiltration of the Maoists from the adjacent Jharkhand and Odisha, initiatives were taken to assure development in these areas in the past four and a half years. The people can move around the place freely even till late night.

Thus to avoid deterioration of the law and order situation in these areas any more, the security arrangement has been beefed up soon after the security personnel received information about the bandh called by the Maoists.

It may be mentioned that there are many areas in Jangalmahal where Central Force jawans perform duty round the year. There are camps of the jawans all over the area.

It is learnt that the jawans were being directed to be more alert and patrolling near the routes through which the Maoists may enter the state has been increased.

Police officers along with the jawans were found visiting the villages situated in the bordering areas. The reason being the police apprehend that the Maoists can threat people in those villages to get a shelter.

There are some hillocks in the areas bordering Jharkhand and West Bengal. Most of these hillocks are in West Midnapore. Thus steps have been taken so that the Maoists cannot cross the border through those areas.

The villagers were also being asked to alert the police if they find anyone moving around the place 

suspiciously or seeking shelter in their houses.

The intelligence agencies have also initiated their work as such a move of calling bandh has been taken after a long time by the Maoists.

The police are in search of the Maoist leader Akash, who is in-charge of the state. The police are also keeping a tab to know whether there is any possibility of Akash to enter the state.