- Sat, 31 Jul, 2010, 2:46 am -

Ranchi: The first day of the three day naxal bandh passed of incidence-free but ensured that the normal life was paralyzed. All the bus depots in the State wore a deserted look as both the government as well as private bus operators preferring to play safe. Even the railway passengers had to face difficulties as six trains were given divers ional routes and a seven cancelled. All the other trains were running late.

Briefing the media Home Secretary J B Tubid announced that there were no reports of untoward incident from any part of the State. The police and State administration at all districts were put on high alert and police patrolling intensified at sensitive points, railway tracks, railway stations and highways. The para military forces were conducting intensive patrolling at the strong holds of the naxalites. 30 companies of these forces were pressed into service added Tubid.

The worst affected areas were Latehar, Lohardaga, Simdega, Chatra, Palamu, Jamshedpur, Saraikela, Gumla, Giridih, Daltonganj and Ranchi. An estimated Rs.200cr business was affected according to trade reports.

The three day bandh has been called by the Maoists as protest against the planning of offensives and ‘Operation Green Hunt’.