<![CDATA[Tension reigned over Bhadrachalam Agency during the Dandakaranya bandh observed by the CPI (Maoist) on Friday as hundreds of police and CRPF personnel maintained a high state of alert across the restive areas bordering Chhattisgarh to anticipate possible retaliatory acts by the ultras. The bandh was in protest against the recent alleged “encounter” at Pujari Kanker forest area in Chhattisgarh’s Bijapur district, in which ten Maoists including seven women cadres were killed. The impact of the bandh was felt in Charla mandal where shops, cinema theatres and petrol bunks were closed till late on Friday afternoon. The bandh had partial impact in Dummugudem and elsewhere in Bhadrachalam division. Public transport was affected as the TSRTC suspended bus services to several sensitive areas in Bhadrachalam division and Gundala and Markodu in Kothagudem division. This has compelled the villagers in far-flung areas to board private vehicles including jeeps and auto rickshaws, by paying exorbitant transportation charges. The night bus services between Bhadrachalam and various remote areas within the district and in neighbouring Jayashankar-Bhupalpally district and on all inter-State routes in the Bhadrachalam Agency remained suspended. Counter Action Teams (CATs) have been activated in the Agency mandals to face any eventuality, the police told. Patrolling along the National Highway 30 passing through the porous Telangana-Chhattisgarh border has been stepped up on Friday evening to avert surprise attacks, if any, by the rebels late in the night, police added. Bhadrachalam Assistant Superintendent of Police Mr.Sunil Dutt told that a strict vigil is being maintained in the border areas across Bhadrachalam division to keep a tab on the movement of suspicious elements and foil subversive acts.]]>
