Maoists narrate ‘success story’

DHENKANAL, July 30: Maoists have reportedly renewed their activities in the district with the distribution of leaflets and booklets highlighting their so-called ‘success stories’ in tribal dominated Kankadahada block, sources said. The booklets elaborate on the recent Maoist attacks in Nayagarh, Kalinganagar, R Udaygiri and Malkangiri and also describes the strategies used by the extremists step by step.
According to sources, the leaflets are being distributed under ‘Operation Ropeway’ in an attempt to reach out to the tribals in these backward regions by proclaiming that the rebels’ violent attacks are a protest to the government’s apathy towards the tribals and rural populace. The Maoists claim that the attacks are a response to the police’s increasing atrocities on the innocent in backward regions and to the government’s industrialisation policies without giving adequate attention to the needs and interests of the poor.
However residents opine that the increase in Maoist activities may be a result of reduced combing operation in the district by the police forces.
“With the murder of three forest officials last year, even the forest department has shown reluctance to give support to police personnel,” said a resident.
“The situation is such that government officials, school teachers and even police personnel themselves are fearful of reporting for duty. In such a situation it is but natural that the Maoists are getting bolder day by day,” he added.
Meanwhile SP Mr Sanjay Kumar Kausal said that verification is being made about the information regarding the distribution of books by the extremists. “Police officials are on alert to curb the Maoist infiltration in the district,” he added.