Naxal watch

Security measures have been beefed up in north Bihar for the 48-hour shutdown called by the proscribed CPI (Maoist) from tomorrow to protest against alleged police attempt to foil a 'democratic action' of the Maoist backed outfit, Mahangai Virodhi Morcha.

And ...

Mr Hosur said the combing operations will continue till the elections were over. The police and the ANF personnel had covered the forest areas of naxal affected areas during the combing operation. In Udupi District About 500 personnel, including some policemen took part in the operations mainly centered on Mutlupady, Tingale, Kabbinale and Siddapur regions around Hebri, which are known to be frequented by naxals.

The above doesn't bode well for legit elections in the area ... combing sounds a lot like making sure only the 'favored' segment of the population gets to vote ...

Also ...

“A group of militants fired from automatic weapons towards army men, who were conducting combing operation in the forest area of Chattibandi. In the exchange of fire, an army officer and a trooper were killed,” SP Bandipore Sheikh Junaid said. He said the militants managed to escape from the area after carrying out the attack.