CHENNAI: Maoists underground literature seized by security forces had revealed expansion plan by ultras in Sahyadri mountain range at the tri-Junction of Kerala-Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. The seized document claimed that Western Ghats Special Zonal Committee (WGSZC) also carried out politico-military campaign from November 2014 to January 2015 to open a new war front in the southern states and to carry out propaganda for future recruitment.
Intelligence agencies had earlier warned about ultras shifting to tri-junction areas to strengthen the naxalites base in the three districts of Kerala—Malappuram, Wynad and Kannur. But, the 5-page details in underground literature ‘People’s March’ on tri-Junction claimed that WGSZC’s ‘Urban Action Team’ have also launched propaganda in the urban centres to tap sympathisers and underground Maoists supporters. A Home Ministry official said that Maoists may have floated some front organisations in the region to carry out ‘Urban Propaganda’ and whenever such reports are received, appropriate actions are taken by the concerned authorities.
The Maoists document for the first time admitted that its ‘Southern Expansion Plan’ that was earlier launched a decade ago to penetrate in three states had miserably failed due to major offensive and counter operations by vigilant forces of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Kerala. It also admitted that several senior naxalites were killed in the operations that also inflicted severe damage to its movement in the Tri-Junction region. However, it says, the ultras have learned the mistakes while reviewing the experiences and now they have pooled all its capacities in the three southern states.
It maintained that combing by Kerala-Tamil Nadu and Karnataka Police in Tri-Junction forests created hurdles but they were successful in inter-linking of squad areas in the region despite offensive.
Document admitted that Maoists plan to strengthen its base across the Sahyadri range was hit by the two-pronged strategy of development and security operations. It admitted that reform measures have been speeded up, remote tribal villages are now witnessing regular visit by the government officials, roads are being built, houses are repaired and rations are being granted to neutralise the Maoists propaganda. The documents also pointed out local recruits in the state home guards are acting as guide and informants for the forces to counter Maoists expansion plan.
Maoists are also facing the heat from surrendered naxalites who have been successful in countering naxal propaganda. It also mentioned death of Sinoj alias Ramesan who entrusted with the responsibility of raising guerrilla unit to dominate Tri-junction. Sinoj was accidently killed while making IEDs at a Naxal’s hideout near Karnataka border in June last year. Documents claimed that during the time of Sinoj death ultras were operating in that region to build their networks and had carried out reconnaissance for future action.
Centre’s Multi Agency Centre (MAC) had recorded several inputs related to Maoists presence in Tri-Junction. Home Ministry has acknowledged on the basis of MAC report that Maoists cadres are making forays at the Tri-Junction to establish their bases in the area. And, Ultras are also trying to forge relations with other insurgent groups in North-East to procure arms and ammunition. A home ministry official citing inputs said some incidents including putting up of propaganda posters were reported in Kasargod and Wayanad in Kerala besides inputs regarding movement of armed cadres along Kerala-Karnataka border in November last year.
“They have not been able to gain foothold in Tamil Nadu but the intelligence suggest that Maoists are looking at pushing the cadres into Tri-Junction region to establish bases,” the official added.