Ranchi: Jharkhand has been put on high alert after police received inputs that the banned CPI (Maoist) may become active again. The state Police Headquarters has asked police chiefs in every district to increase surveillance and tighten security through November, as the group is believed to be planning programmes over three straight weeks.
In a confidential letter dated November 5, the Inspector General of Police (Operations) directed all district Superintendents of Police (SPs) to stay alert and improve security arrangements. The order was also sent to the Senior Superintendents of Police of Ranchi, Jamshedpur and Dhanbad, along with the Jharkhand Jaguar unit and Railway Police, asking them to take precautions in advance.
Three-Week Alert
Based on a November 4 letter from the Special Branch SP, police believe the Maoists plan to observe Khooni Kranti Saptah from November 8 to 15. This will be followed by Daman Virodhi Saptah from November 16 to 22 and Shaheed Saptah from November 24 to 30.
Police said the group has become weaker because of surrenders, rehabilitation schemes and arrests of its members. However, officials have been told not to ignore the chance of trouble during these weeks, which is why security has been increased across the state, as reported by The New Indian Express.
Places Under Watch
Police fear that Maoists may target security force camps as well as government and private offices. Banks, financial institutions, block and zonal offices, Forest Department offices and other public places may also need extra protection.
Officials have also been asked to watch communication services and public transport. Railway stations, tracks, roads, bridges, culverts, local markets and places connected with security forces have been marked for closer monitoring.
Police have warned that Maoists may create small incidents to attract security personnel to a spot. Therefore, every report must be checked carefully before police take further action.
The order asks officers to strictly follow security SOPs during all three weeks. Senior police officers must hold regular briefings, keep their teams alert, share intelligence in Maoist-affected areas, monitor suspicious activity, and take every warning seriously.
