For Maoist insurgents the issue of keeping the supply lines going has emerged as the biggest challenge as police have struck several blows to their urban networks engaged in this work.
Notably, having set their feet in Bastar firmly, Red rebels are trying to strengthen their supply line which is essential for keeping their grip on this mineral rich area intact. Since the existing set up has suffered several blows, thanks to the alertness of police, the Maoists are in search of new persons or couriers who could easily smuggle in ammunition and essential materials to them.
This situation is stated to be the result of success of strategy of the police which, working speedily in the direction to choke the supply line of Maoists, have executed major action against Maoist sympathisers who formed the rebels’ urban network in State capital Raipur, Bhilai, Kanker, Narayanpur, Jagdalpur and other places.
During these actions, not only people actively engaged in helping rebels were arrested, even red handed while carrying ammunition, but large cache of arms and ammunition were also seized from garages of dubious transporters.
These actions have served body blows to Maoists urban network which was responsible for maintaining supplies to rebels directly to their hideouts. To keep the supply line intact the Moists are now trying to create another chain in their bid to not only maintaining supplies but also scoring over the police by circumventing the vigil of the security forces, which is supposed to be centred on the existing network while the newer ones would execute work.
Also, due to the approaching Assembly polls, large number of additional security personnel are likely to be deputed in Bastar areas and heat of which is bound to fall on the Naxal supply line on which Maoists are completely dependent.
From food, medicine, clothing, arms, ammunition to other day to day need items, Maoists procure from outside through the couriers. Though food and daily need items can be procured even in villages but for the supply of medicines and ammunition, Maoists heavily depend on their urban supply chain which is believed to be spread in different cities and towns of the country.
According to Bijapur Additional Superintendent of Police (Naxal Operation) Ashok Singh, police have served sever blows to Maoists supply line with arrests of a number of their couriers and by busting urban networks. To keep their chain working, the rebels are trying to create fresh network as the police kept strict vigil on their activities, he added.