Police gear up to cover soft targets from Maoist attacks
Monday, June 11, 2007
Saturday June 9 2007 12:09 IST
GUNTUR/ONGOLE: With the reports of CPI-Maoist top brass calling for tactical counter offensive that involves lightning strikes on soft targets and remote and unprotected institutions like banks, industrial units and government offices, the police in Prakasam and Guntur district have gone into a tizzy.
As a precautionary measure, the Prakasam district police have advised the banks operating in Naxal dominated areas close to Nallamala to take adequate precautions. As many as 45 banks have been identified as soft targets for the Naxals� tactical counter offensive in Prakasam district.
�We have advised the banks to keep minimum amounts with them and deposit the balance in the main branches. Under no circumstances should they keep large amounts,� said Prakasam OSD RN Ammi Reddy. Similarly, the banks have been told to install security alarms and keep emergency communication systems ready.
The protection to the banks has also been increased. In the Naxal dominated areas like Bollapalli and Palnad, policemen have reportedly been planted in key areas.
Posing as farmhands and dailywage labourers, these personnel will act as embedded information gatherers on Naxalite movements, according to sources. The police have also formed CATS (counter action teams) to tackle the latest offensive.
Also, a small booklet called Kavacham (protective armour) containing safety and security related tips has been circulated among all �soft targets.� The booklet also has latest photographs of Maoist action team members which were obtained from the seized arms dumps in Vinukonda area.
Meanwhile, with the reports that Maoist State committee members Konapuri Ilaiah alias Sambasivudu and Sakhamuri Appa Rao are recruiting new cadres in Nallamala area, the police have intensified combing in the forest area.
On Friday night, the paths of the Naxals and the police crossed at Chinnamantanala village in Nallamala forest. However, a face-off was averted as the Naxals managed to give a slip to the cops.
Labels: Andra Pradesh, NEWS
posted by Resistance 6/11/2007 09:50:00 AM,
