Patna, Aug 20: An alert was today sounded across Bihar keeping in view tomorrow's state-wide bandh called by the CPI-ML (Liberation) to protest against the violation of democratic rights and patronisation of criminals by the state administration. Official sources said all the police stations have been asked to intensify patrolling and keep a close vigil on trouble-makers during the bandh.

Security measures have also been tightened to protect the properties of central and state governments, particularly the railways, the sources said adding police superintendents in all the districts have been asked to make static deployment of securitymen in consultation with the respective district magistrates. Patrolling would also be intensified to guard rail tracks and ensure normal movement of rail and road traffic.

The CPI too has extended support to the proposed bandh. Several other organisations including Bihar Pradesh Building Mazdoor Union have also backed the call.

CPI-ML(L) state secretary Ramjatan Sharma said the bandh was also called to protest against award of life imprisonment to 13 of its political activists under outdated law like Tada and institution of cases against activists of its frontal organisations for showing black flags to Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani during his recent visit to Darbhanga. Bureau Report