Maoists regaining lost ground in Sambalpur

SAMBALPUR: Even as the security forces have stepped up combing operation, the Maoists are fast regrouping themselves in the district with reports of some old cadres joining the organisation doing the rounds. Having travelled through the forest between Jamankira in Sambalpur and Kansar in Deogarh, they have fanned out to Jujumura block following exchange of fire at Gaigot Kuleijharan Hills on October 8. The ultras have reportedly started fund raising campaigns and their number has swelled from 50 to about 100. Mass contact programmes have been initiated with the ultras reaching out to sympathisers and villagers. Old Maoist leaders like Goverdhan Budek and Kunu Dehuri are believed to be back in the outfit. Maintaining that combing operations are no permanent solution, a Maoist studies expert said if not backed by proper intelligence reports, it is more likely that the innocent civilians would be caught in the crossfire.The district administration and the State Government should look at long-term strategy, including implementation of development programmes at the grassroots, he added.