Armed naxals raising slogans sighted inside forest

Kasaragod: A few naxals have been observed seen in the forest areas bordering Wayanad and Kannur districts of Kerala. On receiving the report, the Anti Naxal Force has begun combing operation in the region.

A close vigil is also being maintained by the police personnel onin the forest areas located on the Kasargod and Kannur district border.

According to eyewitnesses, a team of 10 naxals armed with guns in their hands were seen at Periya Ayavikkal area within Tottiyoor, Talappuzha panchayat on the district border and raised slogans hailing their organization. Thereafter, the team ventured into the forest.

The locals have informed the police that the naxals were conversing in Malayalam and were returning back into the forest after buying essentials from a shop at Avikkal. Before returning back into the forest, the naxals distributed pamphlets titled ‘Katu Thee’ (forest fire) in Malayalam. Apparently, the team included members from CPI Maoist organization, Jayanna, Sundari, Savitri, and Jisha. Several pro-naxal wallpapers were found pasted in public places. According to the information with the police, T P Moideen, Ramu and Kavita were also in the team.

The pamphlets by the naxals criticizes the leftist government for undertaking ‘wall of women’ campaign in connection with allowing the entry of women into Lord Ayyappa shrine at Sabrimala.

The district superintendent of police, Dr A Srinivashas informed that the Thunderbolt (Anti Naxal Force) policemen have been keeping close vigil in places like Chandera, Adoor, Rajapuram and other locations for the movement of naxals. The DSP’s of Kannur, Wayanad and Palakkad districts are also on high alert.