Wooing people to the Maoist fold

When one sees a group of Maoists singing and dancing against a backdrop of hills, with people watching, or a memorial being wrapped with party flags and people shouting slogans along with the Maoists - it is the Maoist way of honouring their dead colleagues.

The martyrs' week that ended on Monday offered Maoists in South Orissa an opportunity to get closer to the local people whose support they need the most, especially when they fear a major offensive by central security forces.

Maoists have a very strong presence in Malkangiri, Koraput and Rayagada districts and in the last 15 months they have killed over 100 policemen and 12 civilians.

They have raided police armories and mines. Many believe the success of their strikes depends mainly on the support they get from the local people.

"We carry out our activities with the support of the local people. Our line is the class line and mass line. We are not terrorists, as branded by the government," said B Sonu , Spokesperson, Andhra-Orissa Border Committee, CPI-Maoist.

Whether it was out of fear or commitment, a large gathering of local people, wherever the Martyrs' Week was observed, was clear evidence of the clout the Maoists enjoy in this hilly and remote zone - a serious challenge for the security forces.