In what is being viewed as a new modus operandi adopted by the Naxal outfits, “that can have long-term lethal consequences,’’ the Maoists are now pressuring the contractors working in areas under their domination to supply them with arms and ammunition instead of protection money.
Central intelligence agencies have in a very specific report, sent recently to the Naxal-infested states, insisted that this menace needs to be nipped in the bud. The intelligence note, details of which have been accessed by this newspapers, goes on to add that the problem is rampant particularly in states like Chhattisgarh, Orissa, Jharkhand and Bihar.
“Recently there have been instances in these states where contractors involved in infrastructure projects in Maoist-dominated areas have been caught with weapons, including sophisticated rifles and bullets. Detailed interrogation of the suspects revealed that the arms were meant for the Naxals,’’ the note states.
Intelligence agencies have also stated that, “ground-level information collected from sources has also revealed that the Naxals are forcing the contractors to get in touch with arms smugglers, some of whom are based in urban areas, on their behalf and arrange for supply of explosives to their hideouts. This phenomenon is showing a spiralling trend and should be nipped in the bud before it spreads to other states.”
“One such specific case came to light from Chhattisgrah a few days ago where a road project was stalled by the Naxals,” a senior intelligence official remarked.