Bastar deserted during PLGA week (Lead, superseding earlier story)

Raipur, Dec 2 (IANS) Violence-hit Bastar region wore a deserted look as the PLGA Week observed by the outlawed Communist Party of India-Maoist (CPI-Maoist) commenced Sunday, police said.

The PLGA (People’s Liberation Guerrilla Army) Week is observed Dec 2-8 by the rebels in remembrance of slain leaders of the CPI-Maoist’s armed wing.

Authorities and people are wary that the week is likely to see a spurt in attacks on paramilitary forces, particularly CRPF, on trains, railway tracks and other government infrastructure.

People remained indoors and roads in forested areas were deserted in all seven districts of Bastar region as well as in Rajnandgaon and in certain areas of Gariaband district.

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The East Coast Railway announced that it would not ferry cargo at night during the PLGA Week on Kirandul-Kotavalasa (KK) line in Dantewada district. Maoists have routinely targetted the KK line railway tracks in recent years.

Police here said Bastar had been reeling under fear after guerrillas blew up a panchayat building at Nilavaram village in Sukma district Saturday night.

Hundreds of state policemen and para-military forces were relocated to boost security in areas vulnerable to Maoist attacks in Bastar, Bijapur, Narayanpur, Kanker, Sukma, Kondagaon and Dantewada districts.

Maoists run a parallel government in the interiors of Bastar region, which is made up of seven districts spread over 40,000 sq km.