Maoist leaders' recurrent visits keep Chandigarh police on toes

RAIPUR: Amid inputs of senior Maoist leaders frequently visiting Bastar region from adjoining states to chalk out action strategies ahead of this month's polls, security forces are keeping a close eye on inter-state borders to check the movement of the rebels.

According to Intelligence Bureau sources, top Maoist leaders like central committee member Kadri Satyanarayana alias Kosa, Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee secretary Ramanna and many middle-order leaders are being noticed more frequently, conducting meetings in the region.

Besides, a large number of cadres are also being mobilised from Naxal-affected zones of neighbouring states of Odisha, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra to strengthen their capabilities ahead of polls, the sources said.

"We are aware of every situation and even local police have been informed and every movement is under close vigil of police," Director General of Police Ramniwas told PTI when asked about the frequent visits of Maoist leaders.

Local security forces are in close coordination with police of adjoining states to keep an effective check on cross border movement of Naxals, supply of liquor and movement of other criminal elements, the DGP said.

The security personnel are fully prepared to conduct polls in the region in a peaceful manner, he assured.

The IB sources also suspect that the rebels killed in recent Naxal encounters-- in Etapalli of Maharashtra on October 29 and in Chhattigsarh's Sukma yesterday -- on the interstate borders were allegedly part of Naxal team formed to create nuisance in the border areas during polls in south Chhattisgarh.