All shops in Jhargram, Midnapore, Bankura and Purulia town were closed and public transport service was virtually crippled.

Jawaharlal Mahato and several others were arrested by joint forces during a raid in Binpur on Wednesday.

While the police claim Jawaharlal is an active member of the CPI-Maoist, the PCAPA said he is not linked with the Naxals and is an active member of the PCAPA.

“The security forces have destroyed our health centre. We used to run the health centre after collecting donation from the villagers. Now, we don’t have any place where our family members can avail medical treatment when required,” said Asit Mahato, convener of the PCAPA.

“We will not withdraw the strike until Jawaharlal is released,” added Mahato.

The police, meanwhile, plan to produce Jawaharlal in court.