While no untoward incident was reported during the first two days of the ‘Martyrs’ Week’ being observed by insurgents in Bastar division, normal life has been thrown out of gear in the region.
No business were undertaken while transportation of both passengers and goods was disrupted in the region. The operation of passenger train between Vishakhapatnam and Kirandul has been short terminated till Jagdalpur for security reasons.
Jagdalpur Station Superintendant MR Nayak said that the passenger train will not go to Kirandul till August 4. The train will now operate till Jagdalpur only. Even the movement of goods trains has been restricted through the area during night.
The impact of the ‘Martyrs’ Week’ was visible in the insurgency infested areas. The local markets and business have been affected and traders kept their establishments closed. The buses and other public vehicles besides trucks and other commercial vehicles did not ply on roads. The buses did not start from Jagdalpur for other parts of the State.
Handwritten pamphlets and posters were seen in different parts of the Bastar division, appealing to the people to observe the ‘Martyrs’ Week.’
The insurgents have also expressed anguish through the pamphlets and posters against deployment of security forces and raised objection against anti-insurgency operations besides objection against multi-national companies. The insurgents have also dug roads at many places which has disrupted movement of vehicles.
Meanwhile, security has been stepped up in the interiors of all seven districts of the division including Dantewada, Bijapur, Bastar, Narayanpur, Kondagaon, Sukma and Kanker in view of the ‘Martyrs’ Week’ from July 28 to August 3.
Inspector General of Police (IGP) of Bastar SRP Kalluri said that police is cautious in view of the ‘Martyrs’ Week’ being observed by Maoists. Adequate security arrangements have been made in Naxal hit areas and intensive patrolling and checking is being carried out in sensitive areas,” he added.