Maoists protest demanding withdrawal of joint forces

WEST MIDNAPORE - The Maoists burnt vehicles at Nayagram in West Midnapore district on Friday on the third day of their shutdown call for the withdrawal of joint forces.

The rebels burnt tractors and other road construction vehicles.

It was reported that the Maoists snatched the vehicles at gunpoint and later set them on fire.

“They came and ordered us to park our vehicles beside the road. As they were armed, we did as they said. Then they set our vehicles on fire and left,” said Ajay Giri, one of the drivers.

Some locals alleged that the Maoists are continuing to group in Orissa and the border areas of West Bengal.

The Maoists have called the shutdown to protest the operation Green Hunt launched by the Centre and the various state governments. (ANI)