Maoists Draw Up Plan to Escape Operation Kagar
Intel agencies warn of Maoist strategy to outlast Operation Kagar
Hyderabad: With security forces intensifying their efforts to complete Operation Kagar by March 31, intelligence agencies have flagged the Maoist leadership’s plans to devise a survival strategy to outlast the deadline set by Union home minister Amit Shah to eradicate Maoism in the country.
At a recent meeting of the central and state committees, the Maoist leadership reportedly instructed its cadres to ensure that at least one armed unit remains active even after the cut-off date.
As part of this strategy, the Maoist leadership plans a temporary retreat to the plains and to resurface later to challenge the government’s operations, reliable sources disclosed.
Sources said the remaining Maoist cadres spread across Telangana, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Ooty, Tamil Nadu, and Jharkhand are currently scouting for safe zones. Of the 17 Maoists believed to be left in Telangana, eight are holding key organisational positions.
Intelligence agencies suspect that the movement is led by Bade Chokka Rao, Muppidi Sambayya, and Loketi Chandra Rao, with Tippiri Tirupati being projected as a new leader.
According to sources, four members of the Maoist central committee, who have roots in Telangana, are not inclined to surrender.
Due to the breakdown of communication networks, intelligence officials believe that senior Maoist leaders are operating in small groups, with Tirupati reportedly accompanied by no more than 20 armed members.
The operation against the Maoists was discussed at a recent DGP-level meeting held in Raipur in December. Following the Telangana police’s announcement that they are open to accepting surrenders from Maoists belonging to any state, a senior intelligence officer said cadres willing to give up arms are exploring the option.
