Tatanagar: Rail administration on high alert for Naxal Bandh in Kolhan, Jamshedpur

Mail News Service

Jamshedpur, July 7: In protest against the recent encounters resulting in the deaths of Maoist and Naxalite leaders, various Naxalite organizations have called for a bandh in the Kolhan division from midnight on July 9 to midnight on July 10. The police have taken significant action against the Naxalites in this area, prompting heightened vigilance for trains passing through the Naxalite red zone.

In response to the bandh announcement, trains have been instructed to reduce their speeds from the night of July 9 to July 10. Extensive security measures will be implemented for express trains traveling towards Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, and other destinations. Trains will operate with increased stops, and speed reductions will be enforced particularly in sections of the Chakradharpur Railway Division, known for insurgent activities.

Notably, during the last bandh, Naxalites had sabotaged railway tracks. An alert has been issued by the RPF DIG regarding the upcoming bandh. Although no specific intelligence about heightened activity during the bandh has been reported, the possibility of Naxalite attacks on railway tracks and property remains a concern.

To mitigate risks, pilot engines will precede important mail express trains. Track men and keymen will be on high alert, with regular patrols conducted on bridges and railway tracks. All station employees, including station masters, cabin men, drivers, and guards, will remain vigilant. Security forces will be deployed across all railway tracks in Seraikela, Kharsawan, Chaibasa, Chakradharpur, Manoharpur, Posaita, and other areas within the Chakradharpur Railway Division.

The Naxalites have issued a press release about the bandh, condemning the police action that resulted in the deaths of three individuals, including Comrade Budhwam, near Lowada village on May 23, and the killings of other comrades in Lipunga on June 17.

Tatanagar Railway SP Praveen Pushkar stated that the entire police team is on high alert for the Naxalite bandh. Security measures are being coordinated with the RPF to ensure safety during this period.