Govt sets up joint command to chase Maoists from industrial hubs
Friday, May 25, 2007
Govt sets up joint command to chase Maoists from industrial hubs
BHUBANESWAR: The State Government has set up a joint command to track down and chase the Maoists from the industrial hubs, particularly in Jajpur, Keonjhar and Dhenkanal districts.
The joint command would be headed by the deputy inspector general (DIG) of police (central range) Arun Kumar Sarangi. Admitting that left wing extremists (LWEs) belonging to the Janashakti group have strengthened their base in the three districts, Director General of Police (DGP) Amarananda Pattanayak said that four special operations group (SOGs) have been deployed against them.
While two SOGs have been stationed in Dhenkanal district, one each has been deployed in Jajpur and Keonjhar district. The DGP admitted that lack of good road network in Keonjhar district has eased the pressure on the extremists somewhat. He, however, maintained that police is after the naxalites in these areas in a bid to prevent them from consolidating their base.
Sources, however, maintained that the agitation which started in the name of protection of tribal rights at Kalinga Nagar, has been completely taken over by the left wing extremists (LWEs) from Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal. After the anniversary celebration of Kalinga Nagar police firing incident in January, more than 200 outsiders infiltrated the area and taken over the movement.
Over a dozen companies including the Tata Steel have signed memoranda of understanding with the State Government for establishment of steel plants in the area.
In their memorandum to Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, the local people of Kalinga Nagar have alleged that the outsiders are collecting money from the poor villagers in the name of protection of tribal rights. Some of the tribal people are also under their influence and trying to create disturbance in the area, they added.
Most disturbing aspect of the situation is that government officials and police are not allowed to enter into villages in Kalinga Nagar area. Banned organisations like the Chasi Mulia Sangha and Sangrami Mahila are also regularly conducting meetings in the villages.
posted by Resistance 5/25/2007 11:16:00 AM,
