Forget HUJI and ISI, the Andhra Pradesh Police are bracing for a backlash from within. The banned Left wing CPI (Maoist) has warned of strikes on high-profile targets in the state after secret meetings held in Malkangiri district in Orissa from September 29 to October 1. Several top leaders of the CPI (Maoist) apparently attended the meetings to discuss strategies to launch strikes on sensitive targets. On September 7, former chief minister N Janardhan Reddy and his minister wife escaped a bid on their lives after the Maoists triggered a landmine in Nellore district, as their convoy was passing by.

The loss of several top leaders and cadre either in police encounters or by surrenders and the need to regroup and how and when to start a major offensive were also discussed in these meetings.

“There is heightened activity on the AOB (Andhra-Orissa Border). We are looking at Visakhapatanam Rural, Vizianagaram, East Godavari and Srikakulam where secret meetings are being held to regroup and inspire cadre to launch strikes again. Our target area is right now Visakhapatanam Rural and East Godavari,” an officer with the Special Intelligence Branch dealing with Maoists said. The Maoists are also preparing to put up a strong fight in the Visakhapatanam area as they oppose the setting up of refineries in the district as well as in the neighbouring district of Vizianagaram.

In the latest edition of its mouthpiece People’s March, the CPI (Maoist) warned that it could still deliver an effective blow on the ruling class by adopting guerrilla methods of warfare.

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