VISAKHAPATNAM: With bauxite mining in the agency on the cards, it appears that Left wing extremists are preparing an action plan to stop it. Sources said that a group of Maoists reportedly conducted a recce in and around Anrak Aluminium Company at Makavarapalem of Visakhapatnam agency late Monday night.
Amidst four-layer security, suspected armed Maoists reportedly entered the premises of Anrak Aluminium Company and warned the officials against involving themselves in bauxite mining. According to sources, seven or eight Maoists from the area came to the proximity of the company and closely observed the entry level securities. Suspecting their movement, one of the security guards even asked about their identity. However, the suspected Maoists delivered a strong warning to the management to keep off from bauxite mining.
According to sources, the Maoists came to the conclusion that both the Centre and the State Govts had already initiated measures for bauxite mining. After fierce protests from the tribals in the agency and attacks from Maoists, the govt is now placating the tribals and recruited some of the tribal youths to create awareness among the tribals in their respected villages about advantages of bauxite mining. Mining would be done by private companies but under the supervision of the ITDA and the AP Mining Corporation.
With the incident coming to the notice of the police, including Narsipatnam ASP S Yesubabu, have intensified combing operations in the area. The police denied that it was the handiwork of Maoists and said that they could be ganja smugglers or trespassers.
‘Trespassers Not Maoists’
Speaking to Express, Rural SP Koya Praveen said that the possibility of unidentified persons being Maoists was remote. “We have taken the version of the security guard, who said that they were in uniform and wore shoes. But we have to investigate from all angles and ascertain the actual identity of the persons. However, there is little possibility of them being Maoists.”