PWG for poll boycott, warns ex-cadre

It also announced that former militants who assist the state administration in elections will be targeted and advised them to stay away from poll duties.

The services of former militants had been utilised by the administration in the past elections for transporting ballot papers and ballot boxes to interior places. They were also given the responsibility of returning the same to the nearest safer areas8217; on foot.

The other important task of the former militants was to bring voters to the polling booths to ensure that they cast their votes.

But the warning of the PWG, has put the former militants in a dilemma. If they cooperate with the state, they have to face the wrath of the Naxalites and if they do not, they would be facing the ire of the police.

Besides the PWG, the Janasakthi faction of CPI8211;ML also gave the poll boycott call for the first time. The group enjoys considerable support in some parts of north Telangana districts.

To counter the poll boycott call of the Naxalites, police in the Naxal affected districts have been directed to organise meetings in villages and enlighten the masses on the importance of exercising their franchise.

Cultural troupes will also tour the villages to expose the true colours8217; of Naxalites and educate the people on the need to participate in the democratic process of elections.

On the military front, besides the 85,000 police force, home guards and 70 companies of para military forces would be deployed for election duties.

According to police, the available force would be distributed throughout the state depending on the situation. Despite the non-availability of required strength, the department has decided to intensify combing operations with the assistance of its special intelligence network.

Stating that the influence of Naxalites had weakened over the last three years, Director General of Police H J Dora said that the police department would nullify the attempt of Naxalites. 8220;They will not be able to enforce their boycott call,8221; he stated.

8220;Our strategy to weaken the organisation through encounters and encouraging surrenders yielded good results over the last two years,8221; said a senior police official.

8220;The Naxalite outfit had failed to fully implement its boycott call in the previous elections too. They will not succeed this time also. If they try to bulldoze their way, the police would teach them a lesson,8221; said another senior official.

According to sources, besides the candidates, all those who assist the administration in the conduct of elections would be provided with security cover. 8220;Any attempts by the Naxalites to harm them would be repulsed effectively,8221; he said.

The group has almost been neutralised in Medak district and suffered severe blows in Warangal, Nizamabad and Karimnagar districts. 8220;If we can eliminate some more squads in these districts, the PWG will be on the run,8221; claimed the police.

Meanwhile, a bi-monthly magazine of the PWG, while advocating the poll boycott call, explained at length how all political parties have duped the people. The magazine discussed the downfall of the BJP-led coalition government, failure of Congress to form a government, the policies of TDP and other smaller political parties and was also critical of Anna TDP and accused it of trying to grab power.

Incidentally, the Anna-TDP President N Harikrishna, like his late father N T Rama Rao, described the Naxalites as patriots.