Maoists plan attacks in poll-bound areas

PATNA: Even though the first two phases of Bihar assembly elections passed off peacefully with stray incidents of Maoist violence, the state administration’s litmus test will be the poll in central Bihar in the fifth and sixth phases on November 9 and 20.

According to intelligence agencies, Maoists plan to strike during elections in Gaya, Aurangabad, Jehanabad and Arwal districts. All these four districts are Maoist strongholds. Maoists have already called for poll boycott in these areas. They pasted posters on government buildings and schools in around dozen villages in Aurangabad district asking people not to exercise their franchise.

With strikes during polls in Saran, Munger, Sitamarhi and Sheohar districts in north Bihar, the Maoists have already made their intention clear, sources said. Bihar police, however, said they haven’t received any information about Maoist’s plan to create trouble during the elections.

DGP Neelmani said, ‘‘ We have not received any such inputs. He said multi-tier security arrangements have been made at polling booths. Aerial surveys would be carried out in these areas to keep watch on Maoist activities .’’ Special vigil has been kept in areas bordering other states and Nepal.