Koraput: Maoist banners surfaced in at least three locations under Chandili police station limits in Rayagada district on Friday, triggering tension in the area and prompting heightened security measures.The banners, written in Odia and purportedly issued in the name of the Communist Party of India (Maoist), contained sharp criticism of several former Maoist leaders, including Sabyasachi Panda, Azad, Uday and Niranjan Rout alias Nikhil. The posters claimed that these leaders were never tribals and accused them of exploiting tribal communities by keeping them within the naxal fold.The reference to Niranjan Rout alias Nikhil has drawn particular attention in light of his recent surrender before security forces. Last week, Nikhil, once considered an influential Maoist leader active in the region, laid down arms, along with his wife Rasmita Lenka alias Indu, under the state govt’s surrender and rehabilitation policy. The couple reportedly carried a reward of Rs 55 lakh each and their surrender was viewed as a major setback to the outlawed outfit, weakening its organisational structure and morale in parts of south Odisha.Sources indicated that the fresh banners could be an attempt by the banned outfit to offset the impact of such high-profile surrenders and reassert its presence in the region. By publicly disowning and criticising former leaders who have rejoined the mainstream, the group seems to be sending a message to its remaining cadres, a source said.However, police suspect that the banners may be fake and the handiwork of miscreants seeking to create panic. “Preliminary investigation suggests the banners are fake. Nevertheless, we are not taking any chances. A detailed probe is underway to trace the source and the situation is being closely monitored,” Rayagada in-charge SP Amulya Kumar Dhar said.In view of the prevailing situation, additional forces have been deployed in vulnerable areas to avoid any untoward incidents. The banners also claimed that state secretary Meghjani, Dambai Majhi and other members of the Maoist organisation were prepared to give a befitting reply and prominently displayed the slogan Lal Salam.
