Intelligence on Maoists’ Attempt to Revive Activities: TG, AP Step Up Vigilance

Hyderabad: Security agencies across Telangana and Andhra Pradesh have stepped up vigilance following intelligence inputs suggesting that Maoist groups were attempting to revive their activities in Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra with a series of programmes later this month. Maoist groups have remained relatively inactive over the past few months after decisive operations against them by the security forces.

“We were informed by Jharkhand intelligence department,” a police officer told Deccan Chronicle disclosed. “Acting on these inputs, the Jharkhand police IG (operations) had issued a confidential alert on November 5 to security forces in various states that include TG and AP,” the officer said.

As per the intelligence report, the Maoists have called for observing three programmes `Khooni Kranti Saptah` (Bloody Revolution Week) from November 8 to 15, `Daman Virodhi Saptah` (Anti-Repression Week) from November 16 to 22, and `Shaheed Saptah` (Martyrs' Week) from November 24 to 30. “We have declared a state-wide red alert, intensified combing operations on the direct supervision of district SSPs in Ranchi, Jamshedpur and Dhanbad. The Jharkhand Jaguar commando unit and railway police have been directed to remain on high alert,” a senior police officer from Dhanbad said.

In Telangana, intelligence officials said the Maoists may attempt to exploit border areas to regain their organisational strength and create disturbances.

DGP C.V. Anand has directed the police to strengthen security arrangements, particularly in the Maoist-affected and border districts. Instructions have reportedly been issued to the SPs of Kothagudem, Mulugu, Jayashankar Bhupalpally and Kumuram Bheem Asifabad districts, which share sensitive borders with neighbouring states, sources disclosed.

The Centre has also instructed the TG and AP police to intensify intelligence gathering, increase surveillance and strengthen combing operations, in coordination with anti-Maoist Greyhounds. Special attention was being given to forest areas and vulnerable border locations to prevent any attempts by Maoist groups to re-establish their networks, sources disclosed.

A source said that Anand visited the Telangana Special Intelligence Branch (SIB) office and reviewed anti-extremist operations with senior officials.

The official said the state police have succeeded in bringing more than 820 underground Maoist cadres into the mainstream through surrenders over the past two years. “There are no Maoists in Telangana,” a senior police officer said.

The AP police have also stepped up vigilance in sensitive areas. Intelligence-sharing between Telangana, AP and neighbouring states has been strengthened.

Security agencies are said to be examining intelligence reports that suggested that the Maoists may have shifted their strategy from conventional armed activities in rural areas towards strengthening their over-ground worker networks in urban and semi-urban regions. Intel agencies were closely monitoring suspected attempts to use student groups and public organisations as platforms for expanding their influence.

Meanwhile, videos featuring Maoist sympathisers, singing songs suggesting the return of armed Maoist activity, have been circulating widely on social media. One such song, carrying the message that "Maoists are returning and their comrades in the forests have taken up arms again," has reportedly gone viral.