Maoist alert issued during strike

Five states in central and eastern India could be targets for attacks during a two-day strike called by Maoist rebels, authorities say.

An interior ministry alert has been sent to West Bengal, Bihar, Chattisgarh, Jharkhand and Orissa.

The strike began a day after 11 police died in a rebel attack in Chhattisgarh.

The rebels said the strike was a protest against a "war" on people in Lalgarh, West Bengal, where security forces have launched an offensive.


Lalgarh has been under the virtual control of the rebels since November.

Two policemen have been wounded after a "mine-sweeping vehicle" carrying them was blown up by a landmine near Lalgarh early on Monday, the police said.

Sixteen policemen died in landmine blasts triggered by the Maoists in the central state of Chattisgarh over the weekend.

The rebels have sought to hit out to demonstrate their strike power after federal interior minister P Chidambaram promised "co-ordinated and tough action" against them across the country.

Issuing a high alert for the five states, the interior ministry said India's federal Intelligence Bureau had "specific inputs" that Maoists were planning possible attacks.

"Security forces, as well as economic infrastructure like railways, buses and crowded markets, may be targeted by the Maoists to make their presence felt during the strike," the interior ministry advisory said.