Maoist strike paralyses life in southern West Bengal

Kolkata, Dec 3 : An 120-hour shutdown called by the Maoist-backed People's Committee Against Police Atrocities (PCAPA) completely paralysed life on its third day in large areas of southern West Bengal.

The strike affected large parts of West Midnapore district's Jangalmahal area besides parts of Bankura and Purulia districts, where the Maoists have substantial presence.

Shops, educations institutions and all office and business establishments remained closed.

The shutdown was called by the PCAPA in demand of suspension of the anti-Maoist operation by the Central-state joint forces for two weeks enabling the farmers to harvest their crops.

A PCAPA spokesperson said their organization has also requested the Maoists to refrain from any anti-police violence during this period.

On Wednesday, the beheaded body of a school teacher, kidnapped by Maoists, was found near Goaltore in West Midnapore district.