CPI-Maoist cadre could be fast depleting in Telangana as the State intelligence claims, but those holding extreme Left-wing ideology are fighting lone battles standing close to people’s movements in several Telangana districts, forcing the intel wing to up its social media surveillance.
Like Kodamangundla Vivek (19), an active Telangana Vidyarthi Vedika member and commander of CPI-Maoist who was slain in a police ‘encounter’ in Chhattisgarh, several others who are mostly students and young human rights activists from across the region, having Maoism as ideology, are active on social media platforms and agitations.
From protests against Polavaram project and those against eviction of Adivasis from tribal areas in Eturunagaram in Warangal district, Bhadrachalam in Khammam district and Utnoor in Adilabad district, to smaller student protests on campuses, several social movements witness the presence of those harbouring Maoist ideology, both Maoist ideologues and participants of these movements said.
Police surveillance on these activists range from video recording students’ protests on campuses in Hyderabad, Nalgonda and Warangal, to closely gathering details on the activities of leaders on micro-blogging and social networking platforms. While activists say they are being watched online, police confirmed that “routine” online checks are common, especially that of over-ground workers (OGWs) of CPI-Maoist.
“There is a good presence of people who are Maoist sympathisers on social media platforms. We consider such propagation in is not illegal,” said a student leader, who wished to maintain anonymity. With several court rulings, including a recent Kerala High Court ruling that stated that having an ideology, even that of a banned outfit, does not warrant arrest, unless the accused has indulged in “unlawful activities”, young leaders are hopeful of their growing base.
From Progressive Democratic Students Union (PDSU), TVV and less active AISA, all outfits which participate in social movements in various districts are watched, police sources confirmed.
“Intelligence officials are in touch with most of these suspects and gather reports on regular basis about their activities,” a police source said. The State’s police head confirmed that social media surveillance is a common affair. “We have an intelligence branch which looks into these kinds of things,” said Anurag Sharma, DGP, Telangana, adding social media is a vast area because of which it is literally impossible to monitor everything. “Normally universities and campuses go through peripheral checks,” Mr. Sharma said.
According to police sources, officers monitor even public posts of activists on social media platforms. “The party is currently living in exile in Dandakaranya. But there are enough young men and women who are active in social movements to support the ideological base of the party,” said Varavara Rao, Maoist sympathiser writer.
