Date:12/11/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/11/12/stories/2006111207160300.htm

Andhra Pradesh - Anantapur

Setback to Maoist activity in Anantapur

Staff Reporter

Kadapa encounter casts shadow on party in the district

7 Maoists killed belonged to dalams in the district

30 Maoists operating in the district killed this year

ANANTAPUR: Friday's encounter in Kadapa district has dealt a deathblow to the CPI (Maoist) party's efforts to resurrect its activities in Anantapur district, as the encounter has left the outfit almost decimated. Except a few dalam members, militants and sympathisers the extremist outfit has been completely wiped out.

Of the nine Maoists killed in the encounter seven belonged to dalams operating in the district. In all, about 30 Maoists operating in the district have been killed in encounters so far this year. An equal number of Maoists have also surrendered during the period. Sources in the policesay the retaining capacity of the Maoist party has come down drastically in the last couple of years due to increasing ideological differences and bickering.

Losing grip

The shift in party's focus basically from lending a helping hand to the oppressed sections to taking on the State and its armed forces has loosened its grip on the remote rural areas. Besides, alleged harassment of women members has also added to the outfit's downfall, the sources add.

"A large number of surrenders due to constant counselling and pressure tactics applied by the police and success in unearthing several dumps in the last couple of years has also breached the trust between the underground cadre and militants. It has also been encouraging coverts," says a top police officer.