Naxals getting stronger, so is their armoury

BANGALORE: Naxalites are growing in force in Karnataka, if one were to go by the ammunition built up by the rebels here. It contains about 50-60 single\double-barrel rifles, three-four AK-47s, 20 SLRs, 250\300 hand grenades, six carbines, 10 pistols\revolvers and six 8-mm rifles, according to police estimates.
The arms are largely spread across Bangalore and Naxal-infested districts of Malnad, Raichur and Tumkur, the police said.
There are about 160 hardcore Naxals, who are underground, moving around the state armed with guns and other weapons, while another 300 are members of different frontal organisations, whose identities are known to the police. About 25 per cent of the core group consists of women, the police said.
They have access to huge funds, in the range of Rs 50 lakh per month. Which come largely through party funds, extortions and other activities. Naxalite outfits and their affiliates have a presence in 17 countries.
The Naxal lifestyle is largely ''Intelligent Robinhood'' type. Many live an unsettled life travelling. Food is essentially functional, with largely non-vegetarian diet.
Addiction to gutkha and other substances is rampant. Raids have revealed condoms, pregnancy kits and pregnancy-control drugs. Most of the literature is idealistic, connected with the movement.
The police in Karnataka, unlike in Andhra Pradesh, are yet to attack members of frontal organisation, despite the killing of six policemen last month.
The castewise break-up of the members reveals that about 20 per cent are upper castes, 32 per cent backward castes, 38 per cent dalits and about 8 per cent tribals and rest from other groups.
While the Naxalites in Malnad are highly educated and dedicated, the same cannot be said about those along the border, the police said.