Maoist shutdown in five states begins amid tight security

The government asked five states to tighten security and take maximum precaution during the 48-hour shutdown called by the Maoists beginning Tuesday. The shutdown call has been given in Bihar, West Bengal, Jharkhand, Orissa and Chhattisgarh to protest against Union Government's decision to disinvest in some Public Sector Undertakings. Railways have also been advised to run the trains in Maoist-affected areas in minimum speed to avoid possible sabotage by the Maoists.