PATNA, April 8 (Reuters): Maoists in Bihar have threatened to chop off the hands of voters who defy a call to boycott elections this month, the state police chief and residents said, citing posters appearing in public places. The Maoists say they are fighting for the rights of poor farmers and landless labourers.
“Anyone going to cast their votes at polling booths will have their hands chopped off”, read handwritten pamphlets in Bedani, Baluganj and many other villages of Aurangabad district in eastern Bihar, according to residents. Officials and villagers said many such posters and leaflets have also been pasted on walls and electric poles in villages of at least seven districts in southern Bihar, where Maoists are said to hold sway in this poor, crime-ridden state.
“There is nothing new in this. Even in the last election they put up these posters. They’re again doing it now,” said Neelmani, additional director general of police, for Bihar. An alliance of the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party and the Janata Dal (United) which governs Bihar hopes to sweep the 40 seats in the state with a focus on development and good administration.
But Maoists are telling the villagers the government has not done anything for the state, and warning them to stay away from the election. “We are too scared. Who will protect us from the anger of Maoists if we go against their wishes?” said Kishori Prasad, in Aurangabad district.
Officials estimate that 26 of Bihar’s 38 districts are overrun by Maoists, who attacked government schools and mobile towers last week to protest against the start of the electoral process. Schools are often used as polling booths. Police said they would ensure the safety of voters. “The state administration has initiated enough measures to help voters cast their votes without any fear,” said Neelmani. “We have enough force to ensure free and fair polling.”
Source: http://www.morungexpress.com
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“Anyone going to cast their votes at polling booths will have their hands chopped off”, read handwritten pamphlets in Bedani, Baluganj and many other villages of Aurangabad district in eastern Bihar, according to residents. Officials and villagers said many such posters and leaflets have also been pasted on walls and electric poles in villages of at least seven districts in southern Bihar, where Maoists are said to hold sway in this poor, crime-ridden state.
“There is nothing new in this. Even in the last election they put up these posters. They’re again doing it now,” said Neelmani, additional director general of police, for Bihar. An alliance of the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party and the Janata Dal (United) which governs Bihar hopes to sweep the 40 seats in the state with a focus on development and good administration.
But Maoists are telling the villagers the government has not done anything for the state, and warning them to stay away from the election. “We are too scared. Who will protect us from the anger of Maoists if we go against their wishes?” said Kishori Prasad, in Aurangabad district.
Officials estimate that 26 of Bihar’s 38 districts are overrun by Maoists, who attacked government schools and mobile towers last week to protest against the start of the electoral process. Schools are often used as polling booths. Police said they would ensure the safety of voters. “The state administration has initiated enough measures to help voters cast their votes without any fear,” said Neelmani. “We have enough force to ensure free and fair polling.”
Source: http://www.morungexpress.com
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