‘Interstate operation to comb out Naxalites soon’

NAGPUR: Intensive operations at different levels, including neighbouring states, are set to kick start in the coming days with Gadchiroli as base to flush out red guerrillas from their strongholds in Central India. The operations will be led by Shivaji Bodkhe, Inspector general of police, State anti-naxal operation (ANO) cell. Bodkhe will also appeal to the rebels to surrender.
The action would target the dens of the Naxalites in remote and forested areas. The Maharashtra security forces are expected to conduct the operations in association with Chattishgarh, Andhra Pradesh and Odisha. This will prevent the Naxalites from crossing over the state borders to avoid encounters.
ANO chief, who is building mass base through various civic actions benefiting the tribal population, is ensuring that the remotest stretches are covered under the exhaustive operation strategies.
Bodkhe said depleted outfits like — dalams, Local Organization Squads, Local Guerilla Squads — are no match for the security forces even in guerrilla warfare. “With the security forces set to launch massive counter insurgency exercises soon, arrest of Naxalites or their encounter is for sure. There is no point in losing life or liberty for the sake of a failed ideology,” he said.
He said Naxalites should surrunder and opt for rehabilitation schemes like Navjeevan, and make the most of housing facilities, monetary aids and job opportunities.
“In a recent action, senior cadre Ranu Usendi was arrested when he had come to attend a family function. He could have surrendered to live peacefully,” he added.
Bodkhe cited the example of Kanhu Usendi (25), Surya Narote (21) and Ramji Kawdo (24) who chose to surrender on the same day when Ranu was arrested. “The three former Naxalites are now are under police protection while adopting rehabilitation scheme. But Ranu is in 5-day police custody,” he said.