Maoists call for shutdown in Ranchi

Ranchi, Feb 9: Ranchi came to a standstill on Monday after a shutdown call by Maoist in the region.

The Maoists called for a shutdown in Jharkhand, Orissa and West Bengal after the death of tribals in clashes with cadres of a regional political party in West Bengal.

The tribals and the cadres of Communist Party of India (Marxist) in Lalgarh area of West Bengal came to blows over the alleged killing of a CPM leader by the tribals, snowballing to the death of three tribals.

The schools, the colleges and other business establishments including shops remained closed in compliance with the shutdown call given by Maoist Coordination Committee (MCC).

"I have to travel around 35 kilometers to reach Ranchi for my classes, but my coming here was in vain. Due to the shutdown call given by the MCC, the classes had been cancelled. Such shutdowns have become quite common here and it seems as if the people had become accustomed to them," said Santoshumar, a student.

Vehicular traffic was also affected and even many trains, passing through the Maoist infested areas were cancelled, leaving stranded many locals and passengers.

The shutdown also dried up affected the earnings of the bus owners and other such daily wage workers.

"No vehicle is plying today, whether local or intercity. Even the autos are not plying in the city. The staff of our buses who do the night shift refused to take the passengers for the fear of the Maoists and even the passengers themselves are afraid of venturing outdoors," said Guddu, aus driver.

According to the police, the people themselves have been abstaining from venturing outdoors due to the fear of the Maoists.

Despite security provided by the police, the people prefer to stay indoors and comply with the shutdown calls.

"Most of the times, people who own businesses or shops themselves decide to conform to the shutdowns in order to save themselves from the rebels." said S.N. Pradhan, Inspector General, Jharkhand Police.