Villagers panicked as COBRA troops enter forest

Khammam,Nov16: Tribes living in Bhadrachalam Agency close to Andhra- Chattisgarh border are living in constant fear of the Combat Battallion for Resolute Action (Cobra) after they learnt that a large number of Cobras have entered the forests at Kunta in Charla mandal in Khammam district recently.Maoists, meanwhile have stuck bills and posters at Alligudem and Narshigapeta of Chinturu mandal demanding that the Cobras halt the Green hunt and make a hasty retreat from the jungles.

The locals are in the grip of constant fear because of the continuing fight between the Maoists and the police in Dandakaranyam. Cobras and police force supported by alwa-Judum activists have been creating a scare in Chattisgarh for quiet some time.About 16 Maoists and their supporters were killed at Palachelma hills in Danthewada district last month. Recently, seven of Gothikoyas in Thettemadugu were gunned down and their village set ablaze by them. In view of these incidents, the tribes are living along the border are scared of the entry of Cobras.District superintendent of police Anil Kumar said there was no 'Green hunt' at Dandakaranyam.

 ‘None should give donations to the Maoists in the district,” he warned and asked the the Naxals to surrender and join the social mainstream.The police, on the other hand, have been alerted by the State Government. Combing operations have been stepped up in the Agency and suspected people are being thoroughly checked by the police.