Maoists may take advantage of turmoil in AP: Police

Taking advantage of the prevailing volatile political situation in Andhra Pradesh, the Maoists may try to strengthen their base, police officials have warned.

Taking advantage of the prevailing volatile political situation in Andhra Pradesh, the Maoists may try to strengthen their base, police officials have warned.

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The Left-wing extremists, who have reportedly supported the Telangana agitation, may utilise the current unrest to strengthen their base in the backward region, once a hotbed of Naxal activity, they said.

The Andhra Police is worried about the heightened activities of the Maoists in neighbouring Chhattisgarh and Orissa.

There is always a danger of Maoists coming back to the state and regaining the lost ground, given the turmoil prevailing in the last few months, according to a senior police official.

Police in Srikakulam and Visakhapatnam, bordering Orissa, and Khammam district adjoining Chhattisgarh have been put on a high alert, police said.

Andhra Pradesh shares a 400-km long border with Orissa and 220-km long boundary with Chhattisgarh, one of the worst Naxal-affected states in the country.

These borders are being guarded round-the-clock to thwart any crossover by the extremists, officials said.

Director General of Police (DGP) R R Girish Kumar said all efforts will be made to ensure that ultras don't return to the state and unleash violence.