Jamshedpur, May 24: CPI (Maoist) rebels have embarked on a poster campaign in different villages of Chakulia in Ghatshila sub-division, about 80km from the steel city.

Through the posters the rebels warned police informers of dire consequences. They also asked the local administration to impose a ban on sale of tribal land.

Most of the posters were found in Kalyan and Hatibari under Chakulia police station area and Rajabasa under Shyamsunderpur police station. Sources said the posters which were put-up last night triggered panic among villagers. The Maoists chose schools and other public buildings to put -up the posters.

Sub-divisional police officer of Ghatshila, Anoop Birthare, said they have started search operations in the villages. “The Maoists wage poster war to create panic among villagers,” he said.

He, however, ruled out the involvement of any squad. “We have come to know that the rebels used their sympathisers in the poster campaign,” he added.

A villager said few posters asked them not to cooperate with the police. “The posters have created a panic. The administration should initiate steps to establish permanent pickets in order to dispel the rebel fear,” said Anant Ram Soren, a senior member of the Rajabasa gram sabha.