Highly placed sources in the Intelligence wing of the State police said that over 100 activists of People's War Group (PWG) from Andhra Pradesh, believed to be in the hit list of Greyhounds, have infiltrated into the bordering district of Gajapati and holding training camps for youths. A report in this regard has also been submitted to the State Government.

The group had faced the problem of increased police surveillance which led to the death of a large number of Naxalites in the recent police encounters, but easy access to the bordering areas of Orissa has proved to be a boon to the outlawed PWG. This has helped the PWG in spreading its tentacles in the State. Further, the absence of a law banning the PWG in Orissa and the lack of infrastructure to counter its activitiesaided the group in consolidating its position.

``The State Government must enact laws banning the PWG. But prior to this, infrastructure of police, particularly that of the anti-Naxalite picket posts, should be strengthened to counter any kind of retaliation,'' said a senior official of the Intelligence wing, requesting anonymity.

According to Intelligence reports, Naxalites are operating with the assistance of frontal youth organisations. Nearly 50 to 60 tribal youths have already been recruited in Gajapati district and inducted into dalams. Kui Labenga Sangha, one of the frontal youth organisations in Gajapati, is assisting in the recruitment and training of tribal youths, sources said.The recent influx of Naxalites into Gajapati began after 13 cadre members of the PWG were killed in an encounter with the police in Kapadang area of Andhra Pradesh early this year.

Sources said four Naxalite leaders, Naganna, Surianna, Dushwant and Sekhar have settled in Devagiri and Mahendragad hills where trainingcamps are being held.

The poverty and exploitation of the tribals at the hands of landlords on one hand and quick justice through praja courts on the other, have increased the faith of the tribals in the Naxalites. Sekhar, who is believed to be holding praja courts, is quite popular among the tribals. The Naxalite dalams headed by Sekhar, Naganna, Surianna and Dushwant were also involved in the murder of a landlord of Kharsanda village.

While the outlawed group has reportedly consolidated its position in Gajapati, there has been large-scale cross-border migration of Naxalites to Malkangiri, Rayagada and Koraput from AP, Madhya Pradesh and Bihar in the recent times. ``We have received reports on (sic) land grabbing in Majiguda and recruitment and induction of youths into dalams in Motu, Kalimela and 79 such areas,'' said the official.

Lack of commitment on the part of the Government in tackling the situation has made the southern districts of Orissa bordering AP vulnerable to Naxalism. While the StateGovernments of Madhya Pradesh, Maharastra and Bihar, besides AP have already received Central funds in this regard, Orissa is yet to receive the same as it failed to pursue the issue with the Centre.

Sources said the Government recently submitted a proposal of Rs 20 crore to the Centre for tackling Naxalism. The matter would be taken up at the coordination committee meeting scheduled to be held at Mumbai on Sunday. Inspector General of police (administration) Bidya Bhusan Mohanty will represent Orissa at the meeting.

The infiltration of PWG members into Gajapati has sent a red alert to the district. The district administration has been directed to beef up police patrolling, particularly during the night. Three anti-Naxalite picket posts in the district have also been activated.