Hyderabad: With reports coming about election-related violent incidents involving Maoists from neighbouring Chhattisgarh, the Telangana police have sounded a high alert, particularly in the districts bordering Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra. Causing worry to the police is the poll boycott call given by Maoists, who are also posting ‘stay away from voting’ messages on social media platforms.
The first phase of polling at Chhattisgarh was completed on November 7 and the second phase is scheduled for November 17. The state witnessed a series of violent incidents involving Maoists, including the killing of a BJP leader in Narayanpur district.
In fact, even before the model code of conduct came into force here, Maoist carried out a blast in Mulugu district, despite the presence of armed central and state forces.
Police officials have held a series of meetings with their counterparts in the neighbouring states. Meanwhile, senior officials from the state’s special intelligence bureau, intelligence, Greyhounds and other wings took stock of the preparedness in Maoist-infested areas and stressed on ramping up information sharing on a real time basis.
“We are holding meetings with the locals and conducting flag marches in every village to build confidence among the electorate so that they come out and vote on November 30,” said an official, on condition of anonymity.
Another official added that Maoist violence has come down drastically in Telangana and there may not be any poll-related incidents, as was being feared. However, all wings are on high alert, he said.
Districts affected by Maoists: Erstwhile Adilabad, Karimnagar, Warangal and Khammam.
