India-Nepal border -Security beefed up in wake of Kishenji's killing

Panitanki (West Bengal), Nov.26 : Security has been beefed along the porous India-Nepal border in the Panitanki region of West Bengal in anticipation of possible revenge attacks by Maoists following the killing of their leader Kishenji in an encounter in the state.

On Thursday, Kishenji and some of his accomplices were killed by the security forces in a joint operation.

Reportedly, Kishenji and his wife Suchitra Mahato were hiding in the Kushboni jungle when the area was cordoned off and a gun battle followed.

Deputy Inspector General of the Armed Border Force in Ranidanga region, Shubash Kumar, said the entire border out posts were alerted to avoid any untoward incident.

"Keeping in mind the reported news of Kishenji's (Maoist leader) killing, we have alerted all the BOP's (Border Out Posts) and we have also suggested our intelligence setup to tighten up their sources, so that if any anticipating revenge attacks takes place or any group of people try to do any such efforts, that it can be tackled properly," said Kumar.

Armed security personnel were deployed in large numbers on the border and increased patrolling and intensive checking was going on.

Kumar added that extra security forces have been deployed in the sensitive areas like Panitanki and Naxalbari.

Strict vigilance is being kept on all the streets and highways in the region.

Despite strong measures initiated by the government in eradicating the ultras, the Maoist insurgency has gripped nearly one-third of the country in its violent tentacles, spreading into the interiors of 20 of India's 28 states.

The tussle for power by the Maoists has led to a virtual breakdown of state-machinery in the villages of insurgency-hit regions, with many locals reeling under abject poverty and violence.

Home Minister P.Chidambaram has termed the left-wing extremism as "a bigger challenge than terrorism".

He also promised that the federal government would help the state governments with funds, technology and security forces to fight the Maoists.

The Maoists are trying to prevent the government from taking any action against them by deploying more armed forces in the area with an aim to effectively combat their violent activities.

--ANI