Several villages in Bhadrachalam division of Khammam district are wearing a deserted look with landlords and political leaders migrating to other places in the wake of increase in Maoist threat.
Many landlords and political leaders in Bhadrachalam have ‘received’ threats from Maoists. Some farmers have alleged that the Maoists are demanding extortions. The migration of landlords and farmers which began three years ago, is still continuing.
The rate of migration is quite high in R Kothagudem, Kudunur, Satyanaraya napuram, Cherla, Kaliveru, Lingapuram, Tegada and Mamidigudem villages which are located near the Chhattisgarh border where the Maoists are more active. Satyanarayanapuram village came into existence three decades ago following migration of people from West Godavari district.
Subsequently, the Naxal activities increased in the village. Farmers who migrated from other places, were asked to leave the village by the Maoists. The village was attacked by the Naxalites in 1997 and the farmers’ houses were looted. Unable to face the Maoist threat, many farmers left Satyanarayana-puram.
Cherla, Lingapuram, R Kothagudem, Kudunur and Mamidigudem villages are also facing the same problem.N Mallikharjun, a farmer of Kudunur, said: “Life is more important than property.”
However, Venkatapuram circle inspector KRK Prasada Rao said he was not aware of migration of landlords and farmers due to Maoist fear.