The economic blockade imposed by Maoists on June 26 and 27 and the proposed protest week from June 27 to July 2 have sent the wave of panic into internal areas of Bastar besides affecting the movement of trains on KK line as the lone passenger train running on this route has been suspended for the next 8 days putting the common man to great inconvenience.
Notably, after the greatest Maoist attack on Congress convoy at Jeeram Valley near Darbha in Bastar on May 25 last in which virtually entire leadership of state Congress was wiped out along with security personnel and commoners totalling 29, the insurgents have once again stepped up their activities by announcing two-day economic blockade on June 26 and 27 besides calling for a protest week from June 27 to July 2 during which violence cannot be ruled out.
The insurgents diktats have shocked both civil and railway administrations. While the district administration has beefed up security throughout the area, the railways have decided to suspend the run of the lone passenger train operating on this route between Jagdalpur and Kirandul. As a precautionary measure, movement of goods trains have also been curtailed during 7 pm to 6 in the morning during this period considering the fact that insurgents often paralyse the movement of trains by striking the rail tracks between Bhansi and Kamalur stations in Dantewada.
According to sources, 12 goods trains, 3 express trains and one passenger train run on Kirandul-Kottavalasa route which is considered as lifeline from transportation of Iron ores point of view. On an average, insurgents disturb movement of trains, specially goods trains and the lone passenger, 10 days every month causing Rs 50 lakh daily loss to the railways besides causing inconvenience to people.
On Tuesday too people were put to the great inconvenience when passengers travelling in Waltair-Kirandul passenger were asked at Jagdalpur to de-board the train and go to their destination by road. Fortunately, buses are running as usual in the area for the great relief to passengers who commute from internal parts of Bastar to urban locations.