Security forces on alert as Maoists observe 'martyrs' week

RAIPUR: Security has been stepped up in the Naxal-affected Bastar region of Chhattisgarh as the ultras are observing "martyrs" week starting today.

"Security has been beefed up in the forest interiors of all seven districts of Bastar division -- Dantewada, Bijapur, Bastar, Narayanpur, Kondagaon, Sukma and Kanker -- as the Maoists are observing martyrs' week from July 28 to August 3," a senior police official told PTI on the conditions of anonymity.

"Combing operations have been intensified in the border areas, though security has always been maintained at top level in the entire Bastar, which is considered as a stronghold of ultras," the official added.

According to police, cultural programs, meetings and recruitment drives are undertaken by the Maoists during the week, meant to commemorate the cadres killed by security forces.

So far, no untoward incident has been reported. However, Naxal pamphlets and posters were seen at some places in Bijapur district, appealing the cadres and the people to observe the martyrs' week, the official said.

The Railways are not running the Visakhapatnam-Kirandul train beyond Jagdalpur during the week, fearing Naxal attacks, forcing commuters to travel by bus from Jagdalpur to Kirandul.

"The passenger train will not go beyond Jagdalpur while goods rain will be run only during daytime," a railway official said.