Silger killings: Call for bandh in Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra's Gadchiroli given by Maoists

Correspondent

NewsBits.in

RAIPUR: A fortnight after three tribals were killed in Silger in Chhattisgar, Maoists have given a call for bandh in the region.

The call has been given for the area that spreads from Bastar to Gadchiroli in Maharashtra, on June 5.

Maoists have claimed that three persons including a teenager was killed and several people were injured while a few were missing.

They demand withdrawal of security forces from Bastar. The incident at Silger had occurred on May 17. Three persons were killed when police allegedly opened fire at locals who were opposed to setting up of a CRPF camp in Silger.

The officials say that the firing was in retaliation to attack by Maoists, who were part of crowd. Locals have, however, said that there was firing on villagers. Ever since the incident occurred, local residents alogn with activists have been demanding a judicial probe and want action against officers.

The activists who visited Silger also said that the villagers' version appeared correct and there was protest against camp, as locals feared harassment. An 'All Tribal Fact-Finding' team raised questions on the 'encounter' and has demanded probe headed by a retired judge and FIR against officials who were involved in the firing.

Locals continue to oppose the setting up of the CRPF camp in the area. The list of their demands include release of innocents who were caught and sent to jail apart from removal of camp and setting up anganwadi. A magisterial probe has been ordered by Sukma district magistrate.