CPI Maoist Reestablishing Active Presence In West Bengal State

Kolkata: After staying in hibernation for years, the CPI (Maoist) are regrouping and increasing their active presence in the Jangalmahal area of West Bengal, according to recent intelligence reports.

Close to 25 posters with Maoist signature were found at Belpahari area of Jhargram district on Saturday, the morning of August 15, Independence day.

The posters had the signature of CPI (Maoist), done in the usual style of using red ink on a white sheet of paper. People on Saturday morning woke up to the news of the emergence of such posters at two places in Belpahari- Bhulabheda bazaar and Domohani bus stand.

The posters read urging people that “August 15 should be observed as a black day”. This has stoked fears of days preceding 2011 ‘paribartan’ (change) will make any comeback in the belt ahead of 2021 assembly elections, days of violence and turbulence.

After 2011 change in power, the Mamata Banerjee government had succeeded in containing violence and also the integration of former Maoists into the mainstream living. Several Maoists had surrendered after the killing of dreaded Maoist leader Mallojula Koteswar Rao alias Kishanji in 2011.

As per intelligence sources, Maoists have started regrouping in the Jangalmahal belt, mostly deep into forest area bordering Jharkhand. Police sources claim at least two meetings have happened, as learnt from locals in Belpahari and Baspahari area of Jhargram.

The entire Jangalmahal belt comprising of Midnapore, Jhargram, Bankura and Purulia districts were largely Maoist infested till 2011. Such posters were also found last year in Midnapore and Goaltora areas but then the police had dismissed them as a mere act of mischief by locals with some ulterior motive.

But this time, sources say Police have taken these posters seriously and have not dismissed them as yet. This comes almost a month after bombs and bullets were seized by police from underground in Bankura’s Jangalmahal area.

CRPF sources say Maoists have started extorting money from villagers and businessmen in Jhargram district, on July 27 there has been the movement of armed men in the din of night, presumably who belonged to the CPI (Maoist).

While villagers are scared to speak out against Maoists but sources within state administration say that several villagers are supporting them out of political interest.

The Jangalmahal belt had seen saffron surge after the tribals had overwhelmingly supported the BJP. Maoist movements have started in villages which used to be their known territory, thus public support came handy, claimed sources.

Intelligence reports indicate increased activity in the movement of armed men inside the dense forest of Jangalmahal, especially near the Belpahari area. Police claim they are investigating the posters which were found on Saturday.

Source : https://www.timesnownews.com/india/article/posters-with-maoist-signature-emerge-in-bengal-intel-reports-claim-increased-maoist-activity-in-jangalmahal/637805