Naxals killing innocent people to spread terror

Replying to questions on the increased activity of Left wing extremists, particularly in Malkangiri district, Mr Praharaj said both short term and long term plans had been drawn up to combat the Naxal menace.
Geographically, Malkangiri district poses certain difficulties, he noted, pointing out that it borders both Chhatisgarh and Andhra Pradesh – two Naxal-infested states. Its vulnerability is aggravated by the terrain and the inaccessibility of vast areas of the district.
"The state government has stepped up its intelligence network and sharing with bordering Andhra Pradesh and Chhatisgarh," he added.
Mr Praharaj denied that the Naxals were targeting ‘police informers’. "They are killing innocent people and describing them as police informers only to spread terror amongst the villagers," he said.
Commenting on the violent incidents in Narayanpatna block of Koraput district, he said they were the result of a “complex problem involving ethnic groups and land related issues.”