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Jharkhand on alert for ‘attacks on security sites' after Maoists' bandh call to mark their leaders' killings

Jharkhand on alert for ‘attacks on security sites' after Maoists' bandh call to mark their leaders' killings

Indian Express4 days ago
The Jharkhand Police issued an alert across several districts, warning of potential attacks on security installations, particularly military camps, following a call for bandh on August 3 by the banned CPI (Maoist).
According to senior officials, the bandh is being called as part of a memorial campaign by Maoists to commemorate top leaders of the outfit who have were recently killed in encounters, such as General Secretary Basavaraju and Politburo member Vivek alias Karam.
Besides Jharkhand, the bandh is expected to be observed in Bihar, northern Chhattisgarh, Assam, and West Bengal.
According to a press statement issued by the CPI (Maoist)'s Eastern Regional Bureau (ERB), events are being organised in two phases — from June 11 to August 3 — in honour of its slain leaders and cadres.
Maoist leader Basavaraju was killed in a 60‑hour encounter with police and security forces in the Gundekot hills of Chhattisgarh on May 21.
IG (Operations) Michael Raj said, 'Intelligence indicates possible attacks on military camps around August 3. We are fully prepared. We're also alert to threats against railway tracks, roads, stations, bridges, police outposts, and other government establishments.'
As per police officials, the CPI (Maoist) is leveraging the memorial calls as part of a broader mobilisation effort, expected to include group meetings, public rallies, and a one‑day shutdown in Bihar, Jharkhand, north Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, and Assam.
Police officers are closely monitoring the situation and are on standby to secure sensitive spots and maintain public order across the state, officials said.
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