Renewed Maoist activity in Chhattisgarh has put security forces on top alert. Intelligence inputs gathered say that the Reds are planning a bigger strike than the Tarmetola ambush when 76 jawans were killed, reports The Times of India.
Security agencies have received information that Maoists have sneaked into Chhattisgarh from AP, Maharashtra and Orissa. Sources in Gadchiroli say that a large group of Naxals has shifted from Sironcha in Maharashtra to Chhattisgarh. Over the past few days, a number of Naxals have been active in Chhattisgarh.
They have been targeting police stations where paramilitary forces too are stationed. The firings have taken place in two places in Bijapur district — Farsegarh, Toinar, and one in Dantewada district – Yerebora. In the last 10 days, this is the second such incident.
A few days ago Maoists had targeted security forces in five other places. Now, security officials feel that these attacks on the police stations and the camps could be a precursor to a bigger strike. The security agencies are also viewing the influx of guerrillas, who had escaped to different location after the April 6 incident, back into Chhattisgarh with some apprehension.
“The Maoists seem to be testing us. This may be also a plan to divert attention or try to draw the security personnel out of their secured places. We feel that something is being planned on a large scale,” said a senior security official on the condition of anonymity.
The official added that the Maoists may also be seeking to replenish their arms by looting security agencies. After the Tarmetola tragedy, Maoists had run away with more than 75 sophisticated weapons. “Confident after this success, our intelligence inputs say that they may be planning to storm police headquarters, barracks where battalion may be camping or police training schools.”
