Maoists likely to adopt terror tactics in Junglemahal

31 May 2012

biswabrata goswami
MIDNAPORE, 31 MAY: After apparent successes with the terror tactics of kidnappings and ransoms in Odisha, Bihar, Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh, Maoists are likely to adopt the same tactic in Junglemahal to revive their activities there.
The ultras have already held a few meetings in recent times at different secret locations in Junglemahal, which borders Maoist-hit states. Sources close to officials from different Intelligence agencies said a female Maoist leader from Chhattisgarh sneaked into Junglemahal a few days ago and has held meetings with residents.
Intelligence agencies have alerted security forces and the district administration about this new development. According to Intelligence report, the woman has established communication with Maoist leaders such as Madan Mahato, Bela, Jaba, Dilip and Shyamal, who are still wanted by police.
Set back by the killing of senior Maoist leader Kishenji in an encounter with security forces in West Midnapore on 24 November, Maoist leaders have made enormous efforts to re-launch their movement in Junglemahal. But the state government's new rehabilitation and economic packages for Maoists have kept the top Maoist leaders from formulating their plans for regrouping for the past few months. So far, 30 Maoists have surrendered to the government and the state police hopes that if another 10 Maoists ~ such as Akash, Bikash, Tara, Ranjan Munda, Jayanta, Bela, Madan Mahato, Jaba, Dilip and Shyamal ~ surrender, all of Junglemahal will be free from Maoist influence.
"In a bid to win back the faith of the villagers, Maoists are formulating plans to adopt a harder stance ~ kidnap and ransom," said an officer of the Subsidiary Intelligence Branch (SIB). "The abduction strategy is the easiest method to force the establishment to meet their demands. This is a short-term tactic to fight the state."