Ranchi, Oct. 8 -- In the wake of "Maoist-sponsored" weeklong protests (October 8 to 14) and bandh on October 15 in five states including Bihar, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal and Assam to protest killing of Maoists in encounters, security has been beefed up across the state. Speaking to media persons here on Tuesday, IG (operation) Michaelraj S said, "Maintaining peace and security in the state is the top priority of Jharkhand police, and all necessary steps have been taken in this direction. To strengthen the intelligence system in view of the one-day Maoist shutdown on October 15, adequate police forces have been deployed at all sensitive locations, government offices, railway and roadway facilities," Michaelraj said. He also asked people to remain fearless during bandh and inform police regarding any suspicious activity they observed. He also made an appeal not to pay attention to rumours. "In view of the shutdown, the public should fearlessly go about their daily routine and inform the police immediately if they face any problems. Police are always ready to serve the public. The people of the state are also urged not to pay attention to any rumour," he said. A police official said Maoists in Jharkhand had lost their 32 of their compatriots this year in different encounters with police. Last month alone they lost seven of them. "Since January 1 as many as 32 Maoists associated with different organisations have been killed. In September seven Maoists were killed. While one was killed on September 14 in Palamau, three were killed in Hazaribagh on September 15. Three Maoists were killed on September 24 as well," the police said. A police official said Police HQ had directed all district superintendents to remain on high alert. Apart from this, the official said, special surveillance and search operations had been intensified, particularly in West Singhbhum (Chaibasa) area....