The CPI (Maoist) is observing its annual Martyr’s Week from Thursday.
As usual, the Maoists have pasted posters and tied banners asking people to observe the week in Visakha Agency, one of the areas in which it has considerable presence.
On Wednesday, in charge Director-General of Police N. Sambasiva Rao reportedly tried to fly to G.K. Veedhi in the Agency area, but his helicopter could not land because of bad weather. However, the helicopter carrying Additional DGP A.B. Venkateswara Rao, IG (coastal Andhra) Viswa Jeet, and DIG, Visakha Range, Ch. Srikanth, could land. The officials reportedly asked police personnel to be on alert.
There are reports of pylons constructed in memory of Maoists killed in the past being painted afresh at places like Teemulabanda, and banners and posters appearing in Maddigavuru, Nurmathi, and Boithili in the G. K. Veedhi mandal. It is to be seen as to how the Maoists would strengthen themselves in the Agency area with the help of the bauxite mining issue.
Meanwhile, the police, along with CRPF, are taking all precautions. Though the security forces have not stepped up their activity visibly, combing operation is going on and they are ready to face any eventuality.
The Maoists, having suffered reverses in the last one year following death of cadre in exchanges of fire and surrender of a few top leaders, it likely to resort to violence, apart from conducting meetings and constructing pylons to pay homage to those killed in police action, making fresh recruitments, and spreading the party ideology.
Police, who have been on alert, says that they are ready to face any eventuality