Bastar, a key Naxal-stronghold in Chhattisgarh, came to a grinding halt on Sunday following the January 2-8 protest week called by Maoists to denounce conviction of globally acclaimed civil rights activist Binayak Sen of sedition by a Raipur court recently.
Fear of rebel attack forced transporters to keep their vehicles off the road in the region, covered by thick forests. Railway authorities also stopped plying the only passenger running in Bastar due to the same reason.
Official reports reaching from the insurgency-hit belt said even the vital National Highway-43 passing through Bastar and linking Andhra Pradesh to Mahashtra remained deserted.
“Tribals from remote villages of Bastar were seen walking 50-80 km to reach their nearest block headquarters to buy essentials. Hundreds of commuters were also stranded at different bus stands in the region following disruption of vehicular movement,” a spokesman of state home department told this newspaper.
Naxal banners and pamphlets were spotted at many places in scores of forested villages in the region asking the people to support the stir. The rebel dictate caused fear among the locals forcing them not to use any mode of transportation including two wheelers and even cycles.
Reports said the rebels blocked roads by felling trees at many places. The police was to yet to begin the road clearing operation fearing Maoist ambush.
Meanwhile, security has been stepped in the entire Bastar division, comprising districts of Bastar, Dantewada, Narayanpur, Kanker and Bijapur following the rebel call. Special security arrangements have been made at vital installations and important places in Naxal- infested areas and also in state capital of Raipur.