In a move to gain control over the rich bauxite mining zones of Niyamgiri and Karlapat in Odisha, the Maoists have created a special division for these areas to prevent the mining giants to explore and exploit the resources.
Reliable sources reveal that the Maoists, who were hyperactive during the Palli Sabhas in Kalahandi and Rayagada districts recently held on the issue of bauxite mining atop the Niyamgiri Hill, have established a Niyamgiri-Karlapat Division to strengthen their base.
Both Niyamgiri and Karlapat have rich bauxite deposits and the State Government is interested to exploit the resources through the Odisha Mining Corporation (OMC) to feed the aluminum industries of the State.
Earlier, these ultras were using the jungles of Kalahandi and Nuapada districts as their corridor to move out from Chhattisgarh, but now they are concentrating in these areas with a full-fledged division in action, said sources.
Recently, the Maoist in Odisha reorganised their State-level committee and, in absence of any Odia leading the team, its leadership has gone to ultras from Chhattisgarh and Andhra Pradesh, said sources.
Nikhil from Chhattisgarh and Krishna from Andhra Pradesh are now taking lead with around 80 to 100 cadres in the State, as per intelligence inputs received.
Now, the Bargarh-Balangir-Mahasamund, Nuapada, Sambalpur-Deogarh and Kalinga Divisions have been set up under the Odisha State Organising Committee.
Chhattisgarh Maoists are ruling the roost in Odisha and they are targeting the major mining and industrial zones for resources and cadres. Poor availability of cadres have posed a big problem for these ultras as most of the local cadres are facing harassment from the Chhattisgarh leaders who are ruthless and cruel, according to the Maoists who have surrendered to the Odisha police.
While Chhattisgarh and Andhra leaders are trying to rebuild their organisations, former chief of Bansadhara Division Sabyasachi Panda is losing strength day-by-day. Intelligence inputs claim that Panda is left with only seven associates, out of which four are women.
Panda’s newly-created Odisha Maobadi Party’s (OMP) cadres are dwindling in number and they feel threatened over the growing influence of Nikhil and Krishna. One after another OMP member are either surrendering or being arrested by the police.
The Malkangiri police recently eliminated 13 ultras at one go while the Koraput police killed dreaded Maoist Madhav, who was wanted in more than 50 heinous crimes in Odisha and Andhra Pradesh.