Naxal activities on the decline in AP: Police

The number of Maoist-related incidents in Andhra Pradesh has seen a gradual decline over the past five years from 50 offences registered in 2009 to 23 so far this year, according to police.

The recruitment of the ultras has also dried up in Andhra Pradesh over the past few years.

"The Naxal menace in Andhra Pradesh is gradually on the decline and surrender and rehabilitation initiative of the AP government also played a rich dividend and major role in drawing away recruits from Naxalite groups," a senior police officer said here.

Out of the 23 incidents, nine murders were reported till December 11 this year, as compared to 11 reported in 2012.

Three extremists had been killed in 2012, while four were killed during anti-Naxalite operations this year even as the number of exchanges of fire with police rose to nine this year as compared to 5 last year.

The incidents of arson by Naxals declined to two this year from nine last year and similarly the number of blasts/ damages also came down to one from 11 in 2012.

Though, the number of Naxal attacks on policemen, (including landmines) stood at three each this year as compared to 2012 and one policeman was killed each last year as well as this year so far.

AP Police arrested 134 Maoists and recovered 27 arms from them till December 11 this year, as compared to 274 arrests and 36 firearms recovery last year. 62 ultras surrendered this year as compared to 297 in the previous year.

"The Maoists recruitment has dried up in Andhra Pradesh and the rebels are facing severe shortage of ammunition and weapons not only in Andhra Pradesh, but also in places affected by Left Wing Extremists (LWE) across the country," the police officer told PTI.