The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh News : Police taking no chances in naxal areas

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Saturday, Oct 09, 2004

Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh

Police taking no chances in naxal areas

By N. Rahul

TADVAI (WARANGAL DT.), OCT. 8. Notwithstanding the ceasefire, the police are on high alert to avert attacks by extremists on their men and stations in villages here.

The police station here is an example of the precautions the police continue to take. It is well fortified by a large chain of oil drums at the entrance. The police have also placed tyres in front of the drums to prevent vehicles from coming too close.

Unique feature

Another unique security feature is the entrance to police stations. The pathways leading to the stations are criss-cross and enclosed by an iron mesh to ensure that none can rush into stations. This will give more time to the sentry to identify visitors and prepare for action if needed.

While tightening security measures, the police are also seeing to it that naxalites do not enter villages to take up public issues. The police have taken up construction of roads and additional classrooms in schools, drinking water schemes and distribution of sports material to youth. They have also opened reading rooms in villages.

Row over wage arrears

A dispute over payment of wage arrears employees of a granite factory at Peddapur in Atmakur mandal explains the tug of war between police and the People's War (PW). About 170 employees of this factory were recently paid Rs. 11,000 each by the management on a court order. Another 80 who did not approach the court also demanded the money from the management.

Just when the 80 employees were about to take the help of the PW to mount pressure on the management, the police and stepped in. The Atmakur Sub-Inspector of Police, K. Satish Chander Rao, said they successfully negotiated with the management and got the money released to the 80 employees.

Mr. Rao said the police laid internal roads in three colonies of Dammannapet village and cleared the playground of Akkampet Zilla Parishad High School which was in a bad condition. They also got treatment for victims of dengue and other viral fevers.

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Andhra Pradesh