Maoist shutdown hits life in rural Jharkhand

A shutdown call by Maoists hit normal life in rural areas of Jharkhand on Monday, but there was no effect in the urban parts.

The banned group CPI-Maoists called for a two-day shutdown from Monday to protest against the water crisis, accusing the government of failing to address the water woes of the people.

Long route buses did not ply across the state, as passengers faced a harrowing time under the scorching sun waiting for buses.

Coal transportation was also affected.

According to sources in the Central Coalfields Limited (CCL), coal transportation was affected by about 20 percent due to the shutdown.

Railway officials said they were taking precautionary measures in Maoist-affected areas.

"We are keeping our fingers crossed as Maoist guerrillas blast railway tracks at night. Extra vigil is being kept," an official of Hatia railway division told IANS.

Maoist guerrillas are active in 18 of the 24 districts of the state.

--IANS

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