ROURKELA: Reports of Maoists regrouping in and around the Saranda forest region of neighbouring Jharkhand has come as a headache for security forces in the bordering pockets of Sundargarh district in wake of the local body polls. The banned CPI (Maoist) outfit was till recently lying low against the backdrop of a series of setbacks. Sources said Maoists have ‘studied’ the reasons for setbacks and resorted to ‘modified strategies’. In Jharkhand, the Maoists had tasted success with the massacre of 13 policemen. Yet, the failed life attempt on Jharkhand’s Manoharpur MLA Gurucharan Naik on January 9 did not augur well for neighbouring Sundargarh district. For, the incident took place in the territory of Saranda forest region. It assumed significance as the Jharkhand and Odisha police five months back carried out 35 days of ‘area domination operation’. Even as search operations continue, Maoist presence could not be fully wiped out.Police said Maoists in the Saranda operational hub are responsible for violence in Sundargarh, Deogarh, Sambalpur districts and other parts of Odisha. A top cop said successful Maoist ambush anywhere acts as ‘morale booster’ for the local guerillas camouflaging as villagers in the forested villages of Saranda. The Rourkela police, however, look comfortable with strong information network. A day before police arrested an armed cadre Mani Munda alias Purty which followed another arrest a few days back.Police DIG (Western Range) YK Jethwa said Maoist movements in the bordering areas of the district have dropped substantially.
Comments
0 comment