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Andhra Pradesh free from Maoists, says intel report

LWE to observe martyrs week from July 28

Visakhapatnam: The tribal district of Alluri Seetharamaraju is free from Maoist activists, according to the latest intelligence reports.

Most of the activists moved to Chattisgarh or Odisha during the last couple of months.

Following the death of central committee member Ramakrishna and shifting of another leader Aruna to Chattisgarh, the Maoist camps have been closed in Andhra Pradesh, said a senior officer from the intelligence department.

“The activists released two press notes appealing to villagers to participate in martyrs’ week from July 28 and we are sure none will participate this year,’’ said he.

He said last month’s arrest of area committee secretary Vanathala Ramakrishna and surrender of 33 Maoist party members and 27 militia members dealt a heavy blow to the banned outfit. The police also recovered `39 lakh cash, pistols and explosives from Ramakrishna.

Unlike in the past, the tribal youths were not inclined to join Left wing Extremism, officials say.

They want to develop skills and find jobs in the towns to lead a meaningful life. To fulfill their ambitions, the police launched multi-pronged strategies in the recent past by participating them in developmental activities, imparting them skill development and conducting medical camps in remote areas.

On the other hand, more forces have been moved to the AOB area where there is the presence of the senior leaders of the organisation.

“The BSF established a camp and assisted contractors in laying roads in forests to enable them get more access to the remote villages to smoke out the activists,’’ said a state police officer.

Ganja smuggling was also put under check recently under the ‘Parivartan’ programme that financed the Maoist activists.

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