PINAKI MAJUMDAR
Jamshedpur, October 16: In a renewed attempt to assert their presence, CPI (Maoist) Naxals blocked a key rural road in Manoharpur block of neighbouring West Singhbhum by felling trees across the route late Wednesday night.
The insurgents also put up posters laced with threats to the administration and security forces, cautioning them against intensifying anti-Naxal operations in the Kolhan region.
The blockade came to light early Thursday morning when local villagers found the Manoharpur–Jaraikela road completely obstructed by heavy tree trunks and forest debris.
Several posters, stamped with the Maoist insignia, were found nailed to trees and electric poles. Written in red ink, the posters accused the government of “anti-tribal exploitation” and warned of “dire consequences” if combing operations continued in the area.
Police and CRPF teams rushed to the spot soon after being alerted by villagers. The road was cleared after several hours of strenuous work, and the posters were seized for forensic and intelligence analysis.
“The incident appears to be a deliberate attempt to spread fear and signal Maoist presence ahead of the by-election period,” said a senior officer from Chaibasa police headquarters.
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The development has raised concerns over intelligence gaps, as there was no prior alert about the Maoist movement in the forested belt.
Following the incident, security has been stepped up, with intensified patrolling and combing operations across Manoharpur, Goelkera, and Tonto — the traditional strongholds of the banned outfit.
Sources in the security establishment believe the rebels are attempting to re-establish influence in the Kolhan forests after suffering heavy losses in recent anti-Naxal offensives.
Over the past few weeks, multiple IEDs and Maoist propaganda materials have been recovered from the region, indicating renewed activity.
Authorities have urged local residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious movement in the forest areas as operations continue to flush out extremist elements.
Maoists Strike Again in Saranda, Target Mobile Tower
Maoist insurgents have once again unleashed terror in the dense forests of Saranda by targeting a mobile tower late Wednesday night.
The incident has triggered panic among locals and disrupted communication in the affected area.
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According to sources, a group of armed CPI (Maoist) cadres stormed the site and caused damage to the tower, leaving behind posters condemning government policies and warning security forces of further attacks.
Police and CRPF teams have launched a combing operation in the region to trace the culprits and restore normalcy.
Security has been tightened in and around the Maoist-affected zones of West Singhbhum.
