Naxals call for bandh on Nov 3

The CPI (Maoists) have called for a 24-hour bandh on November 3 in five states to protest what they termed a 'fake encounter' carried out by the security forces aimed at wiping out the movement.

The official spokesperson of the central regional bureau of the CPI Maoists issued a press note urging the people of Chhattisgarh, Maharastra, AP, Odisha and Telangana to observe a bandh on November 3. However, essential services have been exempted from the bandh. The press note was dated October 24, the day the encounter, but was circulated to the media only on Saturday.

Maoist leader Pratap alleged that the encounter that took place in Bejjangi was nothing but a joint covert operation carried out by the Centre, AP and Odisha. He said in the press release that 27 Maoist members including three state-level leaders, district and area committee



members as well as senior commanders were killed in the encounter. The deceased persons belonged to AP, Orissa, Telangana and Chhattisgarh, he said.

Pratap mentioned the names of some of the leaders who died in the encounter. However, there is an ambiguity over the names mentioned by the Maoist leader and those identified by the security forces.

Pratap mentioned special zonal committee leaders Chalapati, Daya, and Ganesh as well as district leaders Aruna, Rhino, Swaroopa, Munna, Mudri, Ashok, Murali, Mamata, Rajesh, Sudhir, Latha, Madhu, Swetha, Rajanna, Ramky, Mallesh, Mutha, and Birsu as the ones who died.

The Naxal leader reiterated that the encounter carried out by the security forces was a covert operation. He said it had become a routine for the cops to carry out such operations with the help of surrendered Naxals.