Police on alert as Naxals observe martyrs' week

Security has been beefed up across Gadchiroli district in east Maharashtra, in the light of 'martyrs' week being observed by Naxals. Meanwhile, Naxals have put up banners and posters in remote areas asking people to join the 'martyrs week' which began yesterday.

Security has been beefed up across Gadchiroli district in east Maharashtra, in the light of 'martyrs' week being observed by Naxals.

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Police have stepped up vigil and patrolling in sensitive areas in the wake of encounter of six suspected Maoists earlier this month, according to officials.

Meanwhile, Naxals have put up banners and posters in remote areas asking people to join the 'martyrs week' which began yesterday. Meanwhile, Naxals have put up banners and posters in remote areas asking people to join the 'martyrs week' which began yesterday.

Naxals observe the event annually to remember their comrades who have fallen to police bullets by terming them as "martyrs".

Observation of such weeks is often fraught with violence, as the rebels in the past had triggered landmines and attacked security forces, police said.

Police said they have beefed up the security against the backdrop of 23 naxals having been killed in various encounters with police in the last seven months.

As a precaution, state transport buses are not plying in remote areas, as Maoists have reportedly blocked roads by felling trees.