Now, MP under Naxal radar

Naxalites undergo intensive training sessions in Chhattisgarh

After Chhattisgarh, Andhra and Orissa, TIMES NOW learnt that the red army is now training its guns on Madhya Pradesh. TIMES NOW travelled to Balaghat -- a remote area in Madhya Pradesh -- which witness to the expansion of the red corridor.

There is no doubt that the red corridor is expanding Naxals training in the remote villages of Chhattisgarh. Spreading their tentacles across the state border into the Balaghat district of Madhya Pradesh, it looks like a strategy to counter the increased police offensive.

The Director General of Police, Chhattisgarh -- Vishwaranjan said, "The pressure which is mounted by the Chhattisgarh police, Andhra police and Maharashtra police found that state like Orissa reacted very fast. That is why naxals are now moving into the peripheral areas of their influence and forcing people to give them cadre."

The fear of the red army has led to a huge migration from many villages in Balaghat. When Times Now visited the area, deserted villages, vacant courtyards, broken homes, total desolation and no sign of any police in the area was observed.

Evacuation of these villages would mean another 800 square km of forest areas totally free for Naxal activities. This happened for the first time in Madhya Pradesh and also stands as a chilling remainder that this area in now the part of Naxal's red corridor. A migrated tribal said, "We are afraid of Dads (Naxals) there. They used to ask us to join their movement."

Police admitted that it is tough to tackle the Naxals in the mountainous terrain which is full of thick jungles and a place where Naxals easily go into hiding. But unless the police hunts these Naxalites down, these villages too will be part of the red corridor, where only the fear of Naxals holds sway.