Reds not a threat; intel note reverses decision point on Telangana

The bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh will not trigger Naxal violence as the Red Movement has been effectively controlled by security forces —  asserts a recent intelligence assessment note submitted to the Union Home Ministry. However, it warned law and order problem in other parts of the State is a real cause of concern in the event of formation of a T-state.

This assessment contradicts what Union Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde had said about Naxal dominance in Telangana in September, 2012. Shinde had said States like Bihar and Madhya Pradesh, which were divided to carve out smaller states, witnessed increased Maoist activities. The note also contradicts Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy’s view that a Telangana State would help revive Maoist influence in the region. At a time when both pro and anti-Telangana leaders are waiting for the Congress high command’s decision with bated breath, the intelligence input is likely to trigger a fresh debate in the North Block as it also trashes an earlier analysis of the Home Ministry forwarded to the Prime Minister’s Office last August.

 The Home Ministry report had analysed the internal security scenario arising out of a T-state and opined that ultras may influence socio-political situation in a T-state. However, now it appears, the real problem on hand is the threat of violence in Seemandhra. “The main worry is public outrage rather than Maoists. The State has a proper military framework and it successfully neutralised the Red Movement. The state of anti-Naxal ops is far better and fear of Maoist revival is misplaced,” a senior official said.

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