UNI

Karkala, Jul 20: The bundh call given by the Maoists today in Sringeri-Bajagoli and Kudremukh national park Kalasa-Bajagoli areas in protest against the recent encounter killing five of their associates in Menasinahadya, evoked a poor response.

Inspector General of Police (western range) A M Prasad told UNI that all schools were functioning and buses plying. Business establishments and shops were also opened in the areas.

The Maoists had warned the people of the areas that they would face dire consequences in future if they did not respond to the bandh call, Mr Prasad added.

He said five suspected naxalites, including a woman, visited the house of one Ranganath in the forest area of Shishila-Shibaje in Belthangady taluk of Daxina Kannada in the early hours of today and held talks with him.

The ultras left some pamphlets in the house before leaving, he said adding senior police officials have rushed to the spot.

Police have made elaborate arrangements to meet any situation, he added.