Maoists observe Martyrs Week

Laxmanpur Bathe Monument

Jharkhand: State on high alert during Martyrs’ Week

RANCHI: High alert has been sounded across the state following intelligence inputs suggesting major strikes by the Maoists during “martyrs’ week” that began on Tuesday. Every year, the rebels observe Martyrs’ Week from July 28 to August 3.

Banners and posters were spotted in different districts of the state, including East and West Singhbhum, Bokaro, Latehar, Gumla and Simdega, asking the people to observe “martyrs’ week” and remember the sacrifices of Maoist leaders. Tuesday also marked the 37th death anniversary of Charu Majumdar, one of the founders of the Naxalite movement.

“These posters and banners have come to our notice. They could be a trap…The Maoists can ambush police parties when they go to remove the them,” said Jharkhand police spokesperson and IG (provision) S N Pradhan.

The IG said police have received inputs on Maoist mobilization in some areas and their plans to carry out big attacks there.

All SPs have been instructed to keep a watch on vulnerable pockets and not to unnecessarily venture out in Maoist-dominated areas. “We are trying to thwart any major strike by the Maoists and for that, every SP is being instructed to act accordingly,” said Pradhan.

Bokaro district has been on high alert after several banners and posters were found in Bermo subdivision. Security in jails has been stepped up and police personnel have been directed to keep strict vigil on the government buildings situated, especially in extremist-prone areas.

Bokaro SP Laxman Prasad Singh said precautionary measures are being taken and the police stations been put on high alert. He added that police patrolling has been intensified.

Fear of Maoist attacks during martyrs’ week” has crippled mineral transportation in the state. Several mineral-transporting trains under Chakradharpur division, trucks and dumpers came to a halt on Monday night.

However, no untoward incident was witnessed in the state as the first day of martyrs’ week’ passed off peacefully and mineral transportation took place during daytime and loaded trucks and dumpers were seen plying on national highways and state highways.

TOI