The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh News : Naxal attacks: police on high alert

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Saturday, Dec 18, 2004

Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh

Naxal attacks: police on high alert

By K.M. Dayashankar

KARIMNAGAR, DEC. 17. All police stations in Karimnagar district, particularly naxalite-affected areas, have been put on high alert to avoid any possible attack by naxalites. The barricading, illumination, and installation of generator sets and siren systems in police stations are being completed. Police forces guarding the stations have been sensitised. They have intensified their practice in firing. Police stations are being fortified with four sentry morchas.

Strict vigil

Following intelligence reports about the possible attack by naxalites anytime in the district, the police are taking all precautions at police stations. They police have intensified search operations and vehicle-checking and are conducting mock drills at interior police stations. A strict vigil is being maintained at all vital installations in the district.

The police who remained lull during the last seven months, are conducting mock operations, i.e. Picket Protection Drill (PPD) on ways to protect police stations from naxal attacks and how to retaliate.

`Camp hoshiar' drills are being organised to sensitise the police to take positions at their pre-determined destinations around police stations, to retaliate naxalite attacks and avoid confusion.

The sentries at police stations are not allowing any stranger on their premises until he discloses his identity and only after confirmation is got from the station house officer.

Taking into consideration the past incidents of attacks on police stations in the interior Mahadevpur and Pothkapalli stations, the police stations in Koyyur, Manthani Mutharam, Mahadevpur, Kataram, Adavi Mutharam, Yellareddypet, Chandurthi and other areas have been fortified with additional reinforcements.

Police have asked their informants to conduct surveillance of areas within 2 km radius of interior police stations and also study any `recce' operation by naxalites. Police constables and others have been asked not to venture into villages without prior permission from higher authorities. They have also been asked not to expose themselves during their visits to places.

Politicians cautioned

Police sources say that they have alerted representatives of various political parties and also local bodies' representatives to be wary of possible attack by the naxalites and avoid them.

The police have pressed into service Counter Action Team (CAT) of the police to guard the targets.

Persons on naxals' hitlist have been asked to change their vehicles frequently and avoid disclosing their movements.

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