New Delhi: The Central Government has asked Maoist-hit states to remain vigilant and take all possible steps to foil any attempt of violence, including hostage-like situations, ahead of the two-day bandh called by the rebels to protest killing of their leader Cherukuri Rajkumar alias Azad.
The Home Ministry asked the Maoist-affected states and the Railways to take necessary action to guard railway properties, tracks, public places, markets and other vital installations to avoid any untoward incident during the 48-hour bandh called by CPI-Maoists beginning Wednesday.
The bandh was called in protest against the killing of top Naxal leader Azad in Andhra Pradesh last week.
The Maoists have vowed to take revenge of Azad's killing by Andhra Pradesh Police in an alleged encounter near Sarkapalli village in Adilabad district.
The Maoists also reportedly asked people not to travel by train during the bandh period. "There have been intelligence reports that the Maoists may try to create a hostage-like situation to demand the release of their jailed leaders," an official said.
The Centre is particularly concerned over the safety of Shatabdi and Rajdhani Express trains, rail tracks and passengers as nearly 150 people lost their lives following the derailment of Jnaneswari Express in West Bengal on May 29 by Maoists.
Meanwhile, the Railways said it was taking the situation seriously and has kept 'crack teams' on standby. Pilot trains will run during the day time also in Naxal-affected areas and all trains will run in bunches.
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