Decline in AP tribal youth joining naxal movement: SP

Visakhapatnam, Mar 16: The efforts by police to wean off tribal youth from the naxal movement is paying rich dividends in this district which is a known naxal stronghold, a senior police official has claimed.

This was evident from the decline in the number of youth enrolled by the naxals, particularly in the Galikonda and Korukonda Dalams, Superintendent of Police V V Srinivasa Rao told UNI here last night.

Insurgents have strong presence, particularly in the Advasi dominated agency mandals in the northern parts of the district like G K Veedi, Sileru, Chintapalli, Koyyuru and Pedabaylu which are either near to or bordering Orissa.

'Maoist activities are witnessed in about 157 districts of 19 states in the country. There was tremendous response from the youth of this district, which traditionally supported the Maoists, when the district administration called upon them to join the mainstream of the society and lead a peaceful social life.

They have been given assurance that there will be no harassment from the police. Besides, the government will help them in getting rehabilitation,'' Mr Rao said.

The efforts had borne fruit. About 60 Maoists had surrendered to police during the last eight months. The local tribals, known to be strong supporters of the extreme left movement, had welcomed this, the SP said.

Admitting the Andhra-Orissa Border Special Zonal Committee of Maoists had become active in the recent past, Mr Rao said awareness among the tribals on the ills of hobnobbing with Maoists had led to the locals opposing naxals activities, as it hindered development activities in the region. ''These outlaws have lost sensitivity to human life if their acts are any indication. Maoists are so heinous in their acts and behaviour that they trying to make use of school children for their illegal activities.

''The number of tribals joining Maoists has come down due to the realisation of hardships they have to undergo and futility if they join their ranks.

''Recently a vacuum has been created in the top leadership at the central committee level and Maoist leaders not giving due respect to women cadre and desisting young male members from getting married has led to disillusionment among the lower rung of the cadre,'' he said.

The district police had taken several measures, including distribution of sewing machines, provision of training facilities, employment in agency areas and offering various welfare and health facilities.

This resulted in the youth to realise that staying in the mainstream was really beneficial than leading a nomadic life in the jungles, the senior police officer said.

Citing out statistics on Maoist-related crimes in the district, Mr Rao said 51 incidents were reported in 2003 involving the then People's War, whereas a high of 79 crimes were recorded in 2004 including murders, assault, looting and destruction of government property.

In all, Rs 15 crore worth of government property was damaged or destroyed by the Maoists during 2003 as against Rs 6.25 crore in 2004, he added.

UNI