The ‘Golden Corridor Area’ was reportedly formed by the Maoists in February 2008. It is essential to check their presence in this area in order to curtail their finances as well as to avoid industrial sabotage.

The Maoist military machine has acquired a certain versatility and lethality and the security forces would have to possess and display immense capacities to fight the Maoists militarily.

Kishanji’s demise would put to rest any possibility of negotiations between the Maoists and the government in West Bengal. His killing in an encounter, no doubt a serious blow, does not practically undermine the Maoists’ capabilities either in West Bengal or at the pan-India level. However, his unique organizational ability shall be missed.

While businesses, especially industries, face a real dilemma, the long-term solution is the isolation of the Maoists by winning over the local people through projects that benefit local communities.

The sense of a liberated zone is apparent as one enters Chitrakonda, with three storey tombs painted in red with the comrades’ name and a hammer and sickle dotting the arid landscape.

When the Maoists’ urban movement attains criticality among industrial labour, they may seek to organise sabotage and industrial strikes. Security forces will have to be prepared to respond to urban terrorism.

The Maoists are trying to cash in on major issues like Telangana to expand their mass base in Andhra from where hail their top leadership.