Koraput becoming a sanctuary for red rebels

Sandwiched between the country’s worst-hit state in terms of Naxal infestation –Chhattisgarh—and the seat of left wing extremism in Andra, not to mention the extensive forest cover and hilly surroundings, Koraput became a natural sanctuary for the rebels.

Sources in the AP Police say that the Odisha MLA’s abduction is part of the Maoists design to strengthen the party in the Andhra-Odisha-Border (AOB) and transform it into a safe haven .
Following the onslaught of the Central forces in Chhattisgarh, Kishenji killing in West Bengal and Azad encounter in AP, the Maoists have chosen Odisha as their base to send signals to centre and the state of their muscle power.

“We had intimated the Odisha police of the Maoist threat perception in view of the Bundh call given by the Maoists next week,” said a senior police official . State intelligence in Andhra Pradesh had advised all district officials and elected representatives not to venture into interior villages without police escorts.  

“We have advised them not even to go to their village homes for Ugadi festival “said the police officials in DGP office. The ban on PWG imposed by the Andhra Pradesh Government in early 1990 had far-reaching impact on Odisha.

Initially, the Andhra Naxalites began to use Odisha’s dense forests as their hideouts as the AP police, led by the hard core DGP Swaranjit Sen let loose a reign of terror in Nallamala and North Telangana belt of the state.

There had been infamous retaliations by the Maoists in the Balamala ambush of Anti-Maoist commandos – Grey hounds- in which the Maoist shot down a boat full of   commandos.