Naxals' Jharkhand-Bihar bandh today, railway security on high alert

Naxalites have declared a bandh in Bihar and Jharkhand on Thursday, prompting the Railways to issue an alert. Security for trains passing through Naxal-affected areas has been heightened, and vigilance has been increased at all stations. Patrolling has also been intensified in highly sensitive areas.

In connection with the martyr's remembrance week from July 28 to August 3, Naxalites put up dozens of banners and posters late Tuesday night near Grid Chowk and Madangjahir Chowk on the Sonua-Lonjo main road under the Sonua police station. These banners appeal to make the Podahat-Kolhan-Saranda forest area exploitation-free. Upon receiving information, Sonua police seized the banners and posters.

The bandh, set for Thursday, July 25, protests the arrest of three Naxalites, including Jaya Hembram, wife of Naxalite leader Comrade. The Railways has ordered senior officials to prepare a diesel engine and a light engine, along with bags filled with sand, water, fans, and lights at Chakradharpur station.

Senior DEN of Chakradharpur has been instructed to patrol the tracks from 9 pm to 5 am. Special vigilance is required in the Chakradharpur-Rourkela section. Loco pilots and assistant loco pilots in Chakradharpur must stay alert to ensure all information is shared with RPF and GRP. Railway SP Praveen Pushkar stated that RPF and railway officials have been instructed to remain vigilant in every police station area regarding the Naxalite bandh.