Maoists threaten people to boycott polls in Lohadarga district of Jharkhand

Maoists threatened residents of Lohardaga district in Jharkhand and distributed pamphlets asking to boycott the upcoming general elections that are just round the corner.

The Maoists have been distributing pamphlets written in Hindi language in hotbed areas, which read 'Boycott 2014 parliamentary elections'.

The pamphlet also warned of "dire consequences" by the red rebels, if people would participate in the upcoming general elections.

Police said the administration was ready to deal with the threat posed by Maoist during the elections.

"This is not a new thing. The Maoists distribute such pamphlets before every election in the country. The administration is perfectly ready to deal with the situation. Our priority is organising elections even in the most isolated places and giving a sense of security to the voters", said Inspector general of the Ranchi range of Jharkhand, MS Bhatia.

An expert on Maoist issues, Dheerendra Vidyarthi was of the view that administration would need to deal with a number of problems to organise successful elections in the isolated regions in Jharkhand.

"A large part of the state, such as the one of forests and valleys, are devoid of any means of communication. In such places, there are a number of big problem. What will be the arrangements by the police? How will the authorities even reach there? How will the polling be done in such areas?" he said.

Vidyarthi added that the government needed a clear strategy and great work to find a solution to the growing problem of Maoists.

"The government can't contain this problem by just saying that misled people need to be brought into the mainstream. They need a clear strategy and great work to find a solution to this problem. Otherwise, it is almost certain that the Maoist will show case their presence, influence and power in the upcoming elections", said Vidyarthi.