The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh News : Maoists reviving their activity in Adilabad

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Thursday, Nov 06, 2008
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Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh

Maoists reviving their activity in Adilabad

S. Harpal Singh

15 naxals had gone into hibernation in district

Maoists were lying low fearing exposure as villagers stopped providing them shelter and food
Their visit to villages and meetings with people in October indicates revival of their activity

Photo: G. Sanjeev Reddy

Safe haven: The thick forest on the AP-Maharashtra border in Talamadugu mandal makes it safe for Maoists to move freely. —

ADILABAD: After lying low for about two years, the Communist Party of India (Maoists) naxalites appear to have restarted their activities in Adilabad district as is evident by reports of their activities in the Chennur-Sirpur, Mangi and Vaipet forest areas.

Going by instances in the past, there is likelihood of the extremists resurfacing now because of the fast approaching elections and the added advantage of the thick greenery in the forests here providing for safety of movement.

There are some 15 naxalites who were known to be hibernating in the district following the ‘tactical withdrawal’ of the CPI(M) sometime in 2005. Recruitment of cadres, especially from within the tribals, had also not taken place during the period.

Lack of support

Officials maintain that the main reason for extremists to lie low during the last three years was increased threat of exposure as villagers stopped providing shelter and food. This was the result of rapid development of roads and better livelihood opportunities available in villages, the officials point out.

In the first week of October, extremists were reported to have visited some villages in Chennur mandal on the district’s border with Karimnagar. They are reported to have sung songs and held meetings with villagers.

This was followed with reports of movement of naxalites from the Mangi forests between Asifabad Sirpur (U) and Vaipet forests in Indervelli mandal.

The dalam reportedly consists of 13 men and six women cadres, according to reports.

There is however, no information about these extremists places of origin.

Some reports say that the cadres belong to Nizamabad district and have come here to give a boost to the local extremists.

“We have never ignored the Maoists though there has been hardly any activity from their side during the last two years.

“As elections are coming nearer, it is only to be anticipated that the extremists will revive their activities. We are alerting the people concerned so that they do not become easy targets for the naxals,” disclosed a police official.

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