Maoist activities resurface in Kerala, presence felt in Wayanad, Palakkad districts

Thiruvananthapuram: After about two decades it seems as if Maoist activities have resurfaced in Kerala. In the last one and a half years, Maoist presence has been reported in various parts of Wayanad and Palakkad districts. Two arrests have been made so far in this regard.

An alarming increase in Maoist activity in Kerala has spooked the locals. Three attacks on forest department offices and an international food chain outlet is raising alarm bells.

"We heard loud noises and came out of the house. A man was standing in front of our house with big gun, he told us in Malayalam that they are Maoists they are here to attack the office," said a lady eyewitness who saw the attack. 

The increasing incidents of violence have created a sense of fear among those in the tribal hamlets. The Maoists have been concentrating on these hamlets to increase their support base. But one change that can be seen is that the officials are thinking of expediting the process of providing land to the landless adivasi's.

The Kerala government though has said that there is no reason to panic. Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala has said that the Maoist presence is there but it is not at an alarming proportion. "The Kerala police is very effectively countering the efforts of the Maoists. This is totally an act of cowardness," explained Chennithala.

Former Maoist and political commentator K Venu said, "It is not going to get the mass support and that way they will not be able to continue as a movement here. They may be able to do some activities now and then more than that nothing is going to happen."

Source http://m.ibnlive.com/news/maoist-activities-resurface-in-kerala-presence-felt-in-wayanad-palakkad-districts/520341-62-126.html