Andhra Pradesh and Odisha on Friday decided to enhance intelligence sharing and coordination for joint operations in order to combat the threat from the CPI (Maoist) in the wake of the killing of an MLA and former MLA in Andhra Pradesh.
At a high-level bilateral meeting between the Director Generals of Police and other top officials dealing with intelligence and operations of both States here, several key decisions were taken.
SPs and other top officials from the bordering districts also participated in the meeting.
“It has been a very fruitful meeting as far as addressing issues such as joint operation and intelligence sharing are concerned. We will continue to hold such coordination meeting at the DG (police) and SP levels,” said Odisha DGP R.P. Sharma after the meeting here.
“The meeting assumes significance in the wake of killing of two political leaders in Andhra Pradesh. We have a common concern how to enhance intelligence sharing. It is essential to establish cooperation between Odisha and Andhra Pradesh given the terrain and difficult areas existing on the border of the two States,” said Mr. Sharma.
A.P. DGP R.P. Thakur said security alertness had been heightened after the two killings. “The information we have will be converted into actionable intelligence. We had excellent coordination earlier and even after the killing of the political leaders. We had so many joint operations and they are still going on,” said Mr. Thakur.
He, however, said both State now wanted to have more systematic approach.
Infrastructure
“We have discussed infrastructure requirement on the border areas. We have fixed the priority as to which has to be taken up immediately,” said Mr. Thakur.
On being asked if Andhra Pradesh needed more Central forces in the wake of the threat from the outlawed CPI (Maoist), he said, “There is need for more Central forces on the border of both States. There are a lot of BSF personnel on Odisha side and we have CRPF on our side. Elections will be held in the next six to seven months. At that time, Naxals will also get desperate to do something. We will definitely need more forces.”
When asked if there was any information about the CPI (Maoist) targeting more political leaders, Mr. Thakur said, “At this moment, we are not in a position to disclose more. But we have enhanced security for targeted people on our side. Special teams are being formed to address the challenge.”
Gurupriya bridge
Officials are also said to have discussed the Gurupriya river issue in Odisha’s Malkanagiri district. “Gurupriya bridge has been made functional and transport movements have started. Security remains a challenge. At the moment, the BSF is stationed on both sides of the bridge. They are taking care of security of the bridge. We have also CCTV cameras on the bridge. We plan to deploy drones to enhance security,” said Mr. Sharma.
“The bridge is not only vital for people residing in the cut-off area but also important for people living in Andhra Pradesh,” he said.