Maoists indulged in 32 violent acts during 48 hours shutdown - India News and Travel Times Provides India-centric and other News and Features

At least five civilians and four security personnel were killed in as many as 32 violent incidents carried out by the Maoists during the 48 hour-long shutdown call given by them on March 22 and 23. The Maoists had called for the two days shutdown in Bihar, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, West Bengal and Orissa. According to Union Home Ministry, the Maoists killed two civilians in Bihar and one each in Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and West Bengal during the 48 hours. Nine civilians were injured in Bihar, while one in Orissa due to the violent activities. Three special forces personnel in Orissa and another personnel in Jharkhand lost life while fighting the red ultras. While, six security personnel each were injured in Bihar and Orissa and one in Chhattisgarh. Out of the 32 incidents, Orissa topped the list, where the Maoists indulged in at least nine violent incidents, followed by Jharkhand with seven violent incidents. Maoists carried out six violent incidents in Bihar, while four were reported from Chhattisgarh. Three incidents each were reported from West Bengal and Maharashtra. The Maoists also damaged/sabotaged at least 20 public properties in these six states. In Orissa, Maoists damaged /sabotaged six public properties, while in Jharkhand and Bihar they sabotages five and four properties respectively. Two incidents each of sabotage/damage of public property were reported from Chhattisgarh and West Bengal. Maoists also damaged a public property in Maharashtra. In a statement, the Union Home Ministry said that such acts of violence, which target innocent people, disturb normal life and damage public property expose true character of CPI (Maoist). "Government of India strongly condemns such mindless acts of violence and terrorism and hope that all right thinking people will condemn such violence," the statement said.