A five-day shutdown has been called by pro-Maoist group, People's Committee against Police Atrocities (PCPA), in West Midnapore, Purulia and Bankura districts from today to protest alleged atrocities against villagers by the joint forces.
Alleging that villagers were being harassed by forces when they went to the fields for harvesting, PCPA spokesman Asit Mahto demanded suspension of the operation by the joint forces till harvesting was over.
Reports said shops, educational institutions and offices were closed and most vehicles stayed off the roads. Meanwhile, there were reports of a member of the CPI (M)-sponsored Gana Pratirodh Committee (People's Resistance Force), being killed in an exchange of fire with the Maoists at Sirsiboni village in Goaltore area today.
West Midnapore district magistrate, NS Nigam said the fact would be ascertained only when the forces reach the area.
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