At a time when the National Register of Citizens (NRC) is being updated under direct supervision of the Supreme Court to identify illegal immigrants in Assam, Naxals are trying to establish new bases in the state taking full advantage of the situation.
According to media reports, top Naxal leaders are making efforts to establish bases among militant outfit United Liberation Front of Asom-Independent (ULFA-I) and the radical Muslims organisations which have been working living in Assam.
Naxals are reportedly extending support to some radical Muslim organisations which are vocal against the ruling government and are also guiding their agitation.
A Zee News report says the Naxals, changing their strategy, are trying to form a new red corridor by establishing contact with the ULFA so that they can get a routine supply of arms for their cadres.
The report quoted an officer in the ministry of home affairs as saying: “There are reports about the presence of Maoists in Assam. We are trying to know what is the current scale of Maoist activities in Assam including cadre strength, the area of operations, leadership and traction.”
The final draft of the NRC excluded 40 lakh people and it created tension in several parts of Assam. Several organisations also came out to the street in protest against it.
It has been reported that increasing age of the senior leaders of the outfit has become a matter of concern for the Maoists as it affects their mobility.
Besides, death and surrender of many senior leaders of the outfit has alreadly adversely affected it.
The report further quoted the official as saying: “There is a crisis in the mid-level leadership in the Maoist group. Security forces have enhanced operations in the core areas of the outfit had affected their supply chain. This is the reason the top leadership of Naxals are desperate to form a new supply line.”