Roads in most Jharkhand cities were deserted and several trains were cancelled because of a 24-hour strike called by Maoist guerrillas to protest the induction of labour intensive technology in industries.
The Communist Party of India-Maoist (CPI-Maoist) called the strike with a view to garner the support of blue-collar workers who could lose jobs due to the new technology.
The strike disrupted life in the state. Schools and colleges registered poor attendance. The Eastern Central Railway (ECR) cancelled 13 trains while a few trains were diverted. Long route buses did not ply.
Security in government installations was beefed up.
Maoists have called more than 40 strikes in last five years to protest alleged police repression and the arrests of their leaders. This is the first time that they have called a shutdown on a labour related issue.
Maoist guerrillas are active in 16 of the 22 districts of the state. Nearly 950 people, including 310 security personnel, have been killed in last six years in Maoist related violence.
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