Visakha Agency, perhaps the only area in the State in which CPI (Maoist) has considerable presence, has been quiet as the annual Martyrs’ Week celebrations of the party commenced two days ago. However, the residents here are apprehensive that the Maoists would unleash violence after the celebrations are over.
The panic has its roots in the reported entry of the party cadres from the neighbouring Chhattisgarh and Odisha States into the Agency around two weeks ago. Rumours are also flying that the cadres are being guided by Ravi, who is said to be heading the action teams, and Ganapathi, a Central Committee member who is the namesake of party’s general secretary. Chhattisgarh and Odisha cadres who are known for their violence have become a cause of concern.
Anticipating trouble from the Maoists during or post-celebrations, the police have reinforced its presence and seven additional companies of Greyhounds and paramilitary forces have been reportedly deployed in the Agency several weeks ago. The police have secured a major advantage before the martyrs’ week commenced by arresting Galikonda area committee member Chinna Rao a month ago. Chinna Rao allegedly made preparations for erecting a large sized memorial at Kumkukmpudi and has planned some other activities. He has reportedly spilled the beans after being arrested and the party has changed its strategies.
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Though the main activity of the CPI (Maoist) during the Martyrs’ Week is to pay homage to its members killed in encounters, erect memorials, hold meetings in villages and go for recruitment, there is possibility of violence post-celebrations.
Meanwhile, tension prevailed for a while at Chintapalli when a rumour went round that an action team was present at Antarla village, just two kilometres away. Local Sub-Inspector Tarakeswara Rao with a posse of policemen rushed to the area and conducted a search.