Bihar, Jharkhand traders face growing Naxal extortion demands

Naxals have posted notices demanding money, from businessmen at various places in Bihar and Jharkhand. These have been put up at public places in the two states and carry names of certain persons who have been asked to make the payment. Fearing an attack, the police have swung into action.

Meanwhile, the threat of Naxal terror continues to haunt the electorate in Bihar which has gone to the polls to elect a new government. 

According to analysts, Naxals have not only threatened to disrupt elections but are now increasingly into extortion of money from businessmen and local traders.

The Naxals have also called on the people of Jharkhand to boycott the elections in the state.

Six policemen were killed on 22 October in a landmine blast triggered by Naxals at an election venue in Bihar. 

However, Bihar has mostly managed to carry on with the elections with voters registering a 53 per cent turnout in the second phase of the assembly election on 24 October.