‘Green hunt’ bid to extend Olive branch

Khammam, Nov 5: Police excesses on the tribals notwithstanding, the vigil on tribal habitations of Dandakaranya forests along Andhra Pradesh and Chattisgarh borders as part of the ‘Green Hunt’ cannot be abandoned in the interest of people’s security. However, the motive behind the revised Police strategy seems to be to bring in more Maoists into social mainstream from the path of violence.The Gotti Koya tribals residing along Andhra- Chattisgarh border are sympathetic towards the Maoists, the Police administration thinks.

The members of village committees, which have been formed by the Maoists, ultimately are taken into custody by the cops.Gotti koyas hailing from Chattisgarh are being questioned and their photographs taken by the Police. Such is the Police modus operandi in Bhadrachalam, Manuguru and Sattupalli sub- divisions.A number of Maoist supporters have surrenderied to the Police recently. Twentyfive members of Jaggaram, Kamaiah Thota and Narshigpadu have yielded to Bhadrachalam Additional Superintendent of Police,Dr.K Raghuram Reddy.

The Police claim to have received valuable information about Maoists activities from the surrendered ones.The Centre has already evolved an action plan to prevent Naxalism by taking up development works in remote areas of the district. About Rs. 176.73crore has recently sanctioned for constructing roads, barracks and helipads in the inaccessible areas under the scheme.The district Police have also identified strategic locations for the helipads in Cherla,Vazedu,Dummugudem,Chinthuru,Allapalli,Karakagudem and Gundala of the district.

About 15 roads linking Police stations will be constructed as part of the proposal.Superintendent of Police Anill Kumar said these works will be taken up by the concerned departments and hoped more Maoists and their supporters would surrender and join the mainstream.