New Delhi: Security agencies involved in anti-Naxal operations have launched a massive manhunt to nab the top Maoist leaders in different States. This follows the arrest of a top Maoist leader in Andhra Pradesh recently that resulted in the surrender of 60 more rebels which has boosted the morale of the security forces.
A senior official from the security establishment privy to the development told ETV Bharat on Monday that the incident in Andhra Pradesh boosted the law enforcement agencies to proactively carry on anti-Naxal operation. "The arrest of Vanthala Ramakrishna, Pedabayalu area committee secretary of Maoists in Andhra Pradesh resulted in the surrender of more than 60 Maoists. This breakthrough has given a body blow to the Maoist movement in the Andhra-Odisha Border (AOB)," said the official.
A joint team of CRPF and state police arrested Ramakrishna while he was proceeding from Kondrum to Injari at Pedabayali in Alluri Sitaram Raju district of Andhra Pradesh last week. A huge cache of arms and ammunitions including one IED (5 kg), 5 detonators, one 9mm pistol, 8 rounds, and Rs 39 lakhs in cash were recovered from his possession. "Following his arrest, 60 more militia members of Pedabayalu area committee have surrendered before the security agencies," the official said.
Security agencies believe that arrest of top Maoist leaders will ultimately result in the surrender of other cadres. Following interaction with the surrendered Maoists, the security agencies claimed that the ongoing development in the naxal-affected areas has started bringing positive results where Maoists are forced to lay down arms.
