States for joint operations to oust Maoists

Kochi: Security forces of the southern states have decided to conduct joint operations after they got specific intelligence inputs of retreating CPI Maoists increasingly using hilly forest in the tri-junction area of Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka as a safe heaven. The specific plans detailing out the role of various security formations of each state were discussed and modalities worked out to prevent the Maoists hiding in border districts of Kerala and Karnataka besides the Nilgiris in Tamil Nadu.

“We got reliable information that the retreating Maoists from states like Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh move out to the tri-junction area to go underground. It also includes senior leaders who would control operations from these parts. Upon action by police forces from one state, the Maoists could easily cross the border and escape. Hence the need for the joint action by the three states,” a senior officer said.

The meet held here was attended by senior police and intelligence officers of the three southern states, Rapid Action Force and other security agencies and was presided over by CRPF Director General K Durga Prasad. Senior officers from Kerala Police including S Sreejith, Inspector General, Ernakulam Range, attended the meet held as per the direction of the Ministry of Home Affairs. There was information about a secret meet held by the Maoists on September 14 in Wayanad in which a Maoist Central Committee member reportedly attended. The intelligence agencies believe the senior Maoist cadre came to the meet from the hiding camps at the tri-junction area.