Cops of 5 states discuss Maoist situation in backdrop of Covid

BHUBANESWAR: Amid reports of Maoist leadership in different states struggling under the onslaught of Covid-19 following infection and deaths of several cadres, the Odisha Police and their counterparts in the neighbouring states are planning to cash in on the situation and step up joint operation against the rebels.
The issue was raised for discussion at the eastern regional police coordination committee meeting convened by Odisha Police on Tuesday. Directors general of police (DGPs) of Odisha, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and Bihar, besides other senior officers of these states, attended the online meeting.
“We discussed many issues relating to internal security, cyber threat and drug trafficking. But the meetings’ focus was on our strategies to intensify joint anti-Maoist operations. Interstate coordination and cooperation between the police is key to address those issues,” a senior Odisha Police officer said.
Cooperation in intelligence sharing and plans for joint operations were discussed. A strategy was worked out for future action and further cooperation. Sources said the Odisha Police officers discussed strategies to identify escape routes and hideouts of Maoists near the interstate borders.
“We have been successful in tracing the escape routes along the interstate borders and deployed security personnel, including the BSF and CRPF. Still, we need further work on it. We have to ensure that the Maoists do not infiltrate into neighbouring states during operations,” the officer said. Police said accurate intelligence input plays a key role in combating Maoist activities.
In the meeting the Odisha Police sought the help of West Bengal and Bihar police to curb the growing cases of gun-running and smuggling of brown sugar. “We have seized over 250 illegal firearms in the last one year from criminals, who procured them from Munger in Bihar. Similarly, huge quantities of brown sugar are being smuggled regularly to Odisha from West Bengal. The suppliers need to be arrested,” the officer added.