ADILABAD: A group of 10 to 15 Maoists have entered forests in the Komaram Bheem Asifabad district and were moving in the forests of Tiryani mandal, police sources said.
Reports said the Maoists were focusing on recruitments by reviving their previous relations with the villagers. It is said that Maoists may discuss the Podu land issue and offer support to the Adivasis to get pattas.
Sources said the Maoists had taken advantage of the green cover that had improved after the recent rains. Besides, the rains hide Maoist movements, sources said. They were entering the district by crossing the Pranahita and Godavari.
Police have launched an anti-Maoist campaign in the Adivasi gudems. Police is on the alert due to increased political activity, which makes activists easy targets. The activists have been advised not to move about without alerting the police first.
Police have intensified combing operations in the forests of Mangi, Wankidi, Asifabad, and also along the river Pranahita to catch the Maoists.
During the monsoon last year, some Maoists led by the state committee member Mylarapu Adellu alias Bhaskar had entered the Mangi forests in Tiryani and focused on recruitment. Two Maoists were killed in the exchange of fire at Kadamba in Komaram Bheem Asifabad district.
Asifabad SP K. Suresh Kumar visited Tatiguda, Keriguda and Errabanda villages in Tiryani mandal on August 27 and interacted with the villagers and the headmen. He appealed to the Adivasis not to extend their support to the anti-social elements and get influenced.
