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NAGPUR: The banned Communist party of India (Maoists) has upped its ante against the government by calling for a nationwide strike on December 8 to protest the Supreme Court’s verdict in the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid case. The apex court’s ruling to shift the mosque has not gone down well with the reds.

Abhay, the spokesperson of the Maoists’ central committee (CC), issued a statement stating that the party has decided to protest the verdict on December 6 and 7 before going for ‘ Bharat Bandh ’. The reds have also appealed to secular, democratic and other forces to join them in the agitation.

The latest call for the agitation against the government may turn out to be a grave security concern as the Maoists have appealed to all like-minded forces to join them in the ‘military struggle’ instead of the just extending solidarity.

Following the Maoists’ call, security agencies are on their toes with the thought that the antigovernment forces may join hands to trigger sabotage activities across the country in both urban or reds-affected hinterlands.

The protest and ‘Bharat Bandh’ will coincide with the commemoration of the 19th raising day ceremony of Maoists’ Peoples’ Liberation of Guerrilla Army (PLGA), posing an additional challenge to security forces through the weeklong events (December 2-8).

SP Gadchiroli Shailesh Balkawade said the operations are under way. “Just like the election period, security forces would go strongly against the cadres. We will also allow space for anyone who is eager to surrender,” he said.

Balkawade stated the police would take a tough stand if challenged in an unconstitutional manner and with arms.

The Maoists have also claimed in the press communication that their stance on the Babri Masjid verdict is unique compared to political parties.

Apart from protesting the verdict, the Maoists have also sought assistance from other outfits to rebuild the mosque at the same place where it existed before being demolished, trashing the supreme court's verdict of shifting it elsewhere on a government earmarked five-acre land.

The rebels’ think tank body, CC, through the press note, also chose to come down heavily on the apex court judgement which they claim is based on ‘belief and sentiments’. The reds also questioned the judgement stating that such a verdict on ‘beliefs and sentiments’ will also set a precedent that such grounds too will now become admissible before the court.

Apart from the judiciary, the reds also chose to take potshots at the Modi-led government and right wing outfits like the RSS and the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP).

In the press note, the Maoists' highest body also stated that the Modi-led government brought reforms like GST and demonetization to facilitate corporates and industrialists close to the prime minister at the cost of the interests of the small and medium businessmen.

The reds have also levelled allegations against the BJP and its allies for propagating Hindutva driven ‘Rashtravad’ on the pretext of nationalism.

