KOCHI: The State Government has submitted before the Kerala High Court that for the last one-and-half year, the presence and activities of Maoists have been reported all over Kerala, especially in the Wayanad, Kozhikode, Malappuram and Kannur districts.
“It is a serious threat to the whole country, especially to the northern districts of Kerala” the State submitted. “It is reported that Maoists have been using the scheduled caste and scheduled tribe settlements for visiting the colonies - Chappel, Maradi, Mundel, Kombara, Arimala and Kunki Chira - within the jurisdiction of the Vellamunda police station. They carry weapons and ammunition; conduct lectures; distribute pamphlets; and encourage the youth to join their organisation to fight against the government. It is nothing short of war against the nation. The police have registered several cases with regard to the activities of the group,” the State submitted. State Attorney P Vijaya Raghavan made the submission in response to a petition filed by Shyam Balakrishnan of Mattiliyam in Wayanad, against ‘harassment’ by the police alleging Maoist link. The petitioner submitted that the police took him into custody and conducted an illegal search in his house.
Terming the police action as infringement of fundamental rights, the petitioner sought a directive to the State to initiate disciplinary action against the DySP of Mananthavadi and sub-inspector of the Vellamunda police station. The State submitted that the Home Department had taken steps to prevent the activities of Maoists, who have been concentrating in the forest areas within the limits of the Vellamunda police station. As part of the preventive measures, organised forces such as Thunder Bolt and the Anti-Naxal Squad have been formed to counter the threat posed by the Maoist-idealists who are actively indulging in subversive activities. The police have pointed out that there was every reason to suspect that the very objective of Shyam Balakrishnan seemed that his dubious activities in the Maoist stronghold should not be unveiled by anyone, including the Special Squad. “The police officers who are on duty in the areas where Maoist presence is reported are discharging their duty by risking their lives. In order to prevent such unpleasant incidents that affect the life of innocent people, the police have to act vigilantly. When strangers are seen under suspicious circumstances, the police have to act promptly. Otherwise, the police will have to pay a heavy price,” the police said.