Maoists' strength in East Godavari region dwindling: SP

Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh, May 2 (UNI) Superintendent of Police Y Nagireddi today claimed that the Maoists' strength in East Godavari agency area on the Andhra-Orissa border (AOB) region, has dwindled and has almost reduced to less than 20.

Talking to UNI, he claimed that of the 20 numbers, 50 per cent were only Dalams members.

Attributing the dwindling strength to effective combing operations and the administration's strategy to encourage their family members to surrender, the Officer said tribal-friendly measures adopted by the police has helped to wean them away from the influence of Maoists.

''Now the Maoists were isolated from the tribals and virtually not getting any support in Gurtedu and Zeddangi in the interior forest areas. The hard life in the forests and the combing operation by the police made their lives further difficult,'' Mr Nagireddi said.

The SP claimed that unlike in the past, the Maoists were not able to attract the students into their ranks, due to sensitization programme taken up by police in all residential schools in the agency areas.

Effective implementation of the rehabilitation package, he said, was the other factor that had led many Maoists to surrender. ''As many as ten Maoists of various ranks have surrendered so far this year, and rehabilitation process is in progress.'' He said the Government had released the required funds and all of them would be extended the relief as per the package soon. The district level committee, headed by the Collector as the Chairman and SP as member, would be meeting shortly to finalise the package.

Plans were under way for providing them houses under Indiramma scheme and also self-employment, forming them into SHG, he added.

UNI XC GKT RL VC1845