As per reports, the CPI (Maoist) has announced a bandh on 15 October against alleged suppression by security forces in five states, Jharkhand, Bihar, West Bengal, Assam and Chhattisgarh.

In a press release issued by the Eastern Regional Bureau of CPI (Maoist), the group also declared the observance of a “Resistance Week” from 08 to 14 October to mobilise support and register opposition to the ongoing campaign by security forces in these states.

• According to the statement, the shutdown was necessitated by the Union government’s refusal to engage in dialogue with them. The release specifically accused Union Home Minister Amit Shah of turning down talks, while security agencies intensified combing operations under Operation ‘Kagar’ in Maoist-affected states.