The police are keeping a close watch on caste-clash-hit Naickenkottai as the area had been vulnerable to left-wing extremism in the past.
Police believe that Naxalites had gained popular support in rural pockets of Dharmapuri district in the past by their advocacy of welfare measures for Scheduled Castes. The areas that have now been affected by caste clashes Naickenkottai, Natham colony, Mookanur and Senkalmedu were once the hotbed of Naxal activities.
The hamlets were freed of Naxal activities after the district administration announced various socio-economic development schemes for the region.
Several political parties, especially the Left, have conducted frequent visits to the area after November 7 clashes to study the unrest and console the victims.
D Venkatesan, the director of the National Commission for SC/ST, also visited the area on Saturday.
Police are now worried that Naxalite elements could take advantage of the situation and attempt to re-enter the area. Police are keeping a watch on all those who had officially visited the villages in recent days while intelligence units, Naxal special duty wing and the ‘Q’ Branch of police were monitoring the situation to prevent infiltration into the area from neighbouring states.
Sources add that police are also keeping a vigil on on youth arriving from other states and districts to celebrate Deepavali.
However, Collector Lilly and Superintendent of Police Asra Garg ruled out the possibility of re-emergence of Naxal activities in the clash-hit areas.
They maintained that all measures have been put in place to avoid re-emergence of Naxalism in the district. “Outsiders are keenly watched and security personnel are alert all the time. There is no restriction for outsiders entering the village “ said Asra Garg.
Lilly said that all basic amenities have been provided to the affected villagers. A survey to evaluate the damage to property and a special camp would be held on Monday to collect documents of proof from the people.
The immediate priority was to distribute ration cards to the clash victims, she added.
