Maoists force shutdown in Jharkhand

Ranchi, Feb 4 (ANI): The shutdown forced by Maoists to protest against the arrest of their two comrades today paralysed normal life in Jharkhand.

The 24-hour shutdown call given in six districts of the State has disrupted the highway and rail traffic.

Buses to and from Ranchi have been completely paralysed as passengers remained stranded on the bus stands.

"I am coming from Hazaribagh and going to Simdega. After arriving, I came to know of the shutdown. No vehicle is ready to go. We are facing problems," said Brij Kumar Pandey, a bus passenger.

Railway passengers have also been badly hit by the shutdown.

"There is no train. We have come from Benaras. It has been long that we are waiting here," said Shabina Begum, a train passenger.

Shops and business centres also remained closed.

Maoists, who are banned in several states including Jharkhand, control vast tracts of rural land in about a dozen states in east, central and parts of south India.

The rebels say they are fighting for the rights of farmers and the poor. (ANI)