Security forces beefed up security and intensified operations in the Leftwing Extremist (LWE)-infested districts, particularly along the Odisha-Andhra Pradesh border in view of the Maoists’ ‘Martyrs Week’being observed from Wednesday till August 3.
An alert has been sounded and combing operations have been stepped up in most of the sensitive areas to thwart any misadventure by the Red rebels. The ultras usually step up thier activities and try to target security forces during the week-long celebration. They also try to motivate youths from different villages to join as thier cadres.According to reports, the Maoists have put up banners and posters in several areas bordering Odisha and Andhra Pradesh urging people to observe the Martyrs’ Week and make it a success. They are also constructing statues in memory of their late leaders who have been slain during counter-insurgency operations by security forces.
Security forces have decided not to scale down their anti-Maoist drive this year despite the onset of monsoon. They are pressing ahead in the Maoist heartland to thwart any action plan of the guerillas. "The Maoists are desperate to regain their strength, infuse confidence among their cadres, recruit people and simultaneously mount pressure on the forces. We have strategically planned to continue our anti-Maoist operation in the affected regions as far as possible,” said an officer deployed in anti-Maoist operations.
