Raipur, Aug 13 - India's worst Maoist insurgency hit state Chhattisgarh has been put on high alert after the Leftist rebels asked people to stay away from Independence Day celebrations Aug 15, the state police chief said here Thursday.

'The entire state has been put on high alert in wake of possible Maoist attacks and their call for a boycott of Independence Day,' Director General of Police (DGP) Vishwaranjan told IANS.

He said that security has been tightened at all government installations in 18 districts of the state and patrolling has been intensified in sensitive areas like the 40,000-sq km Bastar region, the epicentre of Maoist violence since late 1980s.

'Extra forces have been moved to areas vulnerable to Maoist attacks while security checking of passengers at railway stations, hotels, bus stands and other public places is at the highest level to ensure a smooth Independence Day across the state,' the DGP said.