'Maoist' posters in Wayanad: Encounter killings during LDF term in limelight

Kalpetta: In the past six years, nine Maoists (proscribed CPI (Maoist)) were killed in encounters in Palakkad, Malappuram, Wayanad, and Kannur. The most recent of these is the death of Kabani Dalam(armed squad)  secretary and former commander Kavitha. Although no confirmation from the police came in this regard, the posters with the claim appeared in the Hundikaparambu colony near Thirunelli in Wayanad on Thursday night.

The posters were apparently put up by a group of six individuals. The posters allege that Kavita's death was a deliberate act orchestrated by the Modi-Pinarayi governments to facilitate corporate exploitation of the Western Ghats. 

Criticism is being raised that so many Maoist encounter killings occurred during the term of the Left government. Former CPI state secretary Kanam Rajendran and many others had criticized the police in this matter. It was suggested that the bloodbath be avoided in order to curb the kindling of uprising sentiments among Maoists.

Police maintain that the Maoists themselves eliminated the possibility of giving treatment to Kavitha who was shot in the Ayyankunnu encounter in Kannur. 

Earlier there were four dalams (armed squads) in Kerala of which only two remain active now. They mostly operate in Kannur and Wayanad districts.

18 Maoists, including the deceased Kavitha, have been in Kabani Dalam and Banasura Dalam in Kerala. With the arrest of three people last November, the number reduced to 15. Now with the death of Kavitha, the strength has further decreased.