Ghotia (Chhatisgarh), Dec 7 (ANI): The Maoists have issued an ultimatum to the rural people of Ghotia region in Rajnandgaon district here to observe Martyrs’ Week between December 2 and 8.

This ultimatum has instilled fear among the masses.

Maoists have pasted pamphlets and placed banners in the villages of the district and the residents have been asked to follow the pronouncement issued.

“They (Maoists) have not distributed pamphlets and banners. They have pasted them during the night and it has happened for the first time. It is totally wrong to pressurise people to observe any event. If they (Maoists) want to do it they should do it among themselves. Nobody wants to meet them. They have given a call for shutdown also,” said Madhu Das, a villager.

In 2001, the police had shot dead three Maoists and since then Martyrs’ Week is observed to show a mark of respect to the dead Maoists.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has termed the Maoist insurgency as the greatest internal security threat. (ANI)