Tension continues in Maoist-dominated areas

VISAKHAPATNAM: The Agency area in the district appears to be tense even after the peaceful and total Maoist nation-wide bandh on March 24.Whie the police continue to intensify their combing operations, the Maoists are continuing to show their strength by destructing public property.The police, who are unable to trace kidnapped Odisha MLA Jhina Hikaka, have increased their vigil on the Andhra-Odisha border.The police appealed to the tribals to leave their homes in Maoist dominated areas to allow them to have a free run against the Maoists.Sources said the Maoists are targeting the communication system in AOB areas by torching the BSNL exchanges as the communication infrastructure would aid the police operations against them.However, police claim that the Maoist activities in the region has been under control for the past few months.The police are getting ready to induct an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle to be used in Maoist stronghold areas in the region, especially near the AOB to track down left wing extremists.The UAV would help track Maoists in forest areas.The UAV images would reach base stations and anti Maoist forces could be mobilised in a helicopter to capture them in the AOB areas.The UAV will have its base station at Madurapudi in Rajahmundry, police sources said.