The outlawed Communist Party of India (Maoist) has announced a shutdown on October 15 across five states— Jharkhand, Bihar, West Bengal, Assam, and Chhattisgarh.
Alongside the bandh, the outfit has also declared the observance of a “Resistance Week” from October 8 to 14 to mobilise support and register opposition to ongoing security operations.
In a press statement issued by spokesperson ‘Sanket’ of the party’s Eastern Regional Bureau, the Maoists alleged that the bandh was necessitated by the Union government’s refusal to engage in dialogue.
The release specifically accused Union Home Minister Amit Shah of turning down talks, while security agencies have intensified combing operations under Operation ‘Kagar’ in Maoist-affected zones.
The statement further alleged that on September 15, 2025, three senior leaders of the party were killed in what it described as a “staged encounter.” Those named include Central Committee member Sahdev Soren, Bihar-Jharkhand Special Area Committee member Raghunath Hembram, and Zonal Committee member Ram Khelawan Ganjhu.
The outfit claimed that several other cadres have also been targeted in similar incidents, accusing security forces of adopting “unlawful methods” to weaken the movement.
The Maoists demanded that all arrested members be produced before the judiciary without delay and urged authorities to desist from conducting fake encounters.
Warning of “serious consequences” if their demands are ignored, the statement nonetheless clarified that essential services such as milk supply, press vehicles, and ambulances carrying patients would be exempted from the October 15 bandh.
Following the announcement, intelligence agencies have sounded high alerts across the five states. District administrations have been directed to remain vigilant and strengthen security measures, especially in vulnerable and interior regions.
Additional deployments of paramilitary forces and state police units are being planned to prevent disruptions and possible violence.
Reacting to the threat, Jharkhand’s Director General of Police (DGP) Anurag Gupta said that the bandh call was only an attempt to create panic.
“Naxalites are trying to spread fear through such statements. Wherever they emerge, strong action will be taken. The state police is fully prepared to face any challenge,” the DGP said.
Authorities in affected states are closely monitoring the situation in the run-up to the bandh.
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