Special Inspector General of Police for anti-naxal operations in Maharashtra, Sandip Patil on Tuesday revealed that naxals are reportedly extending their urban network in Maharashtra by enlisting young individuals from impoverished sections residing in slums across cities like Mumbai and Pune.
Patil maintained that Naxals are exploiting discontent among disadvantaged youth, aiming to involve them in military activities and establish safe zones.
According to Patil, Naxals have highlighted the strength of their "urban network" in major cities including Mumbai, Nagpur, Nasik, Pune, and Gondia in their internal documents.
"They are actively recruiting youngsters from lower socioeconomic backgrounds residing in slum areas, enticing them with Maoist ideology and engaging them in logistical support tasks related to arms, ammunition, medical aid, and shelter construction," he said.
The IPS official emphasised that Naxals are capitalising on the negative sentiments among marginalised youth, often grappling with poverty and domestic issues, to foster anti-government sentiments.
He added that while portraying themselves as champions of the people's cause, Naxal groups aim to spread their radical ideology.
In response, the police are closely monitoring these organisations and have vowed to take appropriate action against them.
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