The first day of a two-day bandh called by the Communist Party of India (Maoist) in protest against the killing of the party's Polit Bureau member Kishenji evoked a partial response and passed off peacefully in the Maoist-affected Jangalmahal region of West Bengal on Sunday.
While the security forces were apprehensive that Maoists might trigger a major incident during the bandh, Inspector General of Police (Western Range) Gangeshwar Singh was relieved that the first day “passed without incident.”
“Posters asking the people to support the bandh were found in some parts of Jhargram and Bankura, but there were no incidents during the day,” Mr. Singh said.
A demonstration, led by Trinamool Congress MP Subhendu Adhikari, in the foothills of the Ayodhya Hills in Purulia district was held peacefully. The area witnessed incidents of Maoist violence recently.
Mr. Singh said the bandh did have a partial impact in some of the Maoist-affected areas, but since educational institutions, offices and some market areas were closed on Sunday, it would not be possible to assess its full impact.
Shops and market places were shut and transport was also affected by the bandh. However, train services remained unaffected, he said.
