Maoist-sponsored shutdown hits normal life in Midnapore
Jhargram (West Bengal):
An indefinite shutdown called by a pro-Maoist organisation
disturbed normal life in Jhargram
region of Midnapore district in West Bengal on Tuesday. The shutdown is observed
on the call of the People's Committee Against Police Atrocities (PCAPA), a pro-Maoist
organisation that represents local tribesmen, against the anti-Maoist operations
by para-military forces in the forest areas. Shops, educational institutions and
business establishments remained closed in the Jangal mahal area of West Midnapore
district. Similar shutdowns were also witnessed in the Bankura and Purulia districts
of West Bengal. Meanwhile, residents said the administration should initiate dialogue
instead of using force to solve the issue. "The administration should take responsibility
and sit with them (Maoists) those who have called the strike and try to solve
the issue," said Sukumar Buniya, a resident. Maoists have ignored repeated calls
to renounce violence and negotiate. They stepped up their attacks in recent months,
prompting the government to go after them in a concerted strike.
