First, the merger of the two most potent groups -- the PWG and the MCC -- has given synergy to the new outfit in terms of strength, capability, and resources, both human and material, for launching attacks on the security forces. The combined strength of the CPI-Maoist is estimated to be 15,000 armed cadres, which is huge compared to the 3,000 militants in Kashmir at the peak of the militancy.
Second, the merger has provided a large swathe of India -- from Bihar to Andhra Pradesh -- for the Maoists to move, both for operations and safe havens. While state police forces are restricted by jurisdiction and a lack of interstate coordination, the Maoists are not. This gives them an upper hand and the ability to carry out audacious attacks across the states at will.
Third, while the Naxals in the late 1960s used bows, arrows, axes, pistols and small bombs to annihilate 'class enemies', the Maoists (Naxals in their new avatar), have an array of sophisticated and lethal weapons which include AK-47s, light machine guns, INSAS rifles, self-loading rifles, grenades, mortars, rocket launchers, among others.
These have been acquired through raids on police armouries and snatching of arms of the policemen killed in ambush, apart from the supply of weapons by the LTTE and Nepalese Maoists. The easy availability of explosives in the Red Corridor has facilitated the laying of landmines to kill troops with most devastating effect. The Maoists have R&D units which fabricate and upgrade weaponry, including improvised explosive devices, which have added to the strike power of the Maoists.
kafila.online
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