Gaya (Bihar), Dec. 4 (ANI): Members of a banned Maoist outfit in Bihar celebrated the ninth anniversary of the creation of peoples liberation guerrilla army.

The cadres under the banner Bhakpa organised a function in Gaya on Thursday, and the local administration was unaware of the function’s proceedings, which continued for 18 hours.

The function began with the Maoists paying tribute to their deceased leaders, and then proceeded with a display of hi-tech arms and ammunitions and a flag hoisting ceremony.

The cadres, in uniform, sang songs and pledged their support for the movement.

The Maoist violence — estimated to have caused 600 to 700 deaths annually and the displacement 100,000 civilians — has spread to 182 of the country’s 602 districts and has been declared as the country’s single biggest internal security threat.

The rebels are accused of killings, forced recruitment and widespread extortion. Activists say the vigilantes and security forces have conducted arbitrary arrests, torture and killings. (ANI)