Ranchi. Several trains were cancelled and the route of some others diverted in Jharkhand as a two-day Maoist-sponsored nationwide bandh began midnight last night.
Maoists protested killing of their leader Cherukuri Rajkumar alias Azad by security forces in Andhra Pradesh on July 1.
In Dhanbad division, five trains - Patna-Garhwa Palamu Express, Palamu Express, Gomoh Barkakana Passenger, Barwadih Passenger, and Dehri-on-Sone passenger - were cancelled.
Around seven trains - Hatia-Varansai Intercity and Hatia Jammu Tawi Express under Ranchi division, four trains under Dhnabad division and another under Chakradharpur division - were routed through diversion.
Special care of railway property was being taken which often becomes a soft target of Maoists, police said.
Railway authorities have been directed to escort the trains by a goods train or pilot engine, that too with a maximum speed of 65 km per hour.
Besides, Central Reserve Police Force personnel have been deployed at the national and state highways to avoid any untoward incident.
Apart from these preparations, the SPs were directed to intensify operations against the ultras in their areas.
Azad, the 'politburo' and 'central committee' member of the outfit, along with his associate Sahdeo, was killed by security personnel.
Earlier, a two-day bandh was called by the Ultras on June 30 and July 1.
Jharkhand
