Maoists call for two-day Chhattisgarh bandh

The outlawed CPI-Maoists today called for a two-day Chhattisgarh Bandh on May 21 and 22.

The outlawed CPI-Maoists on Sunday called for a two-day Chhattisgarh Bandh on May 21 and 22 to protest against 'Salwa judum' (government's campaign against Naxals) and a special Act against the ultras.

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"We appeal to all sections of the society to oppose 'Salwa judum' and the Chhattisgarh Special Public Security Act and observe 'Dandakaranya Bandh' on May 21 and 22," secretary of the Dandakaranya special zonal committee of the CPI (Maoist) Kosha said in a release.

The outlawed outfit claimed that after the 'Salwa judum' was started in June last year, over 200 "innocent villagers" were killed in Dantewada district alone. The Naxals demanded that the Central para military and Nagaland armed forces be withdrawn from the district.

"Also, to check the revolution of the people, a POTA-like Act was introduced by the Raman Singh government in the state and many organisations were banned," Kosha said, adding "through this Act the state government is trying to restrict the freedom of expression of the people."

The Maoists have also opposed the privatisation of BALCO and investment proposal of Tata, Essar and Reliance in the state.