Thaindian News

Kolkata, Dec 8 (IANS) The first day of the 48-hour shutdown the Maoists have called in West Bengal evoked some response in the Maoist-affected districts, police said.

“The shutdown was observed successfully in Junglemahal areas (Maoist affected forested areas of three western districts - West Midnapore, Purulia and Bankura), but there were no reports of untoward incidents,” said Additional Director General of Police Surajit Kar Purkayastha.

“The forested area in West Midnapore wore a deserted look with no vehicles plying on the road. Shops were closed. Government offices and schools remained open but the attendance of the staff and the students was very poor,” Jhargram Superintendent of Police Praveen Tripathi IANS over phone.

The Communist Party of India-Maoist (CPI-Maoist) Sunday called a 48-hour shutdown starting Dec 8 to protest the arrest of four state committee members, including secretary Sudip Chongdar alias Kanchan, and demanded immediate release of its leaders.

“In Sarenga, Barikul, Ranibandh, Simlipal areas of Bankura, the shutdown was total while in Khatra, Erbanda and other adjacent areas the impact was partial,” Bankura Police Superintendent Pranav Kumar said.

In Purulia, the shutdown was observed successfully by tribals of Bandoan, Bagmundi, Arsa, Balarampur, Jhalda areas near Ayodhya Hills, which is known to be a Maoists hotbed. But there was no sign of shutdown in the urban areas in the region, police said.