Echoes of Rebellion: Maoists Honor Slain Leader Hidma, Renew Accusations of 'Fake Encounter'

In a development that's certainly stirred the volatile Andhra-Odisha border region, Maoist cadres have recently come forward, issuing a poignant tribute to one of their prominent leaders, Mandvi Hidma. But this isn't merely a solemn remembrance; it's also a stark, uncompromising accusation. They're emphatically claiming his demise, which reportedly occurred on March 29th, was no legitimate confrontation, but rather a 'fake encounter,' a 'cold-blooded murder' at the hands of security forces.

According to a press note circulated by the Andhra-Odisha Border (AOB) Special Zonal Committee of the Maoist party, they firmly believe that Hidma, a central committee member, was deliberately targeted and killed by a joint operation involving Telangana Police, Chhattisgarh Police, and the CRPF. They haven't just labeled it an encounter; they've gone so far as to call it a premeditated 'assassination,' raising profound questions about the circumstances surrounding his death.

Mandvi Hidma, hailing from Purvati village in South Sukma, Chhattisgarh, was certainly no minor figure within the Maoist ranks. He carried a substantial bounty of Rs 50 lakh on his head, a testament, perhaps, to his significant role and the perceived threat he posed to state security. His name has, over the years, been linked to some of the most devastating attacks in recent memory – remember the 2010 Dantewada ambush that claimed the lives of 76 CRPF personnel? Or the chilling 2013 Jiram Ghati attack that wiped out several prominent Congress leaders? Even the 2021 Sukma assault, which resulted in the death of 22 security personnel, reportedly bore his strategic imprint. So, his loss is undeniably a massive blow to the movement.

From the Maoists' perspective, this wasn't a random act. They're pointing fingers squarely at intelligence agencies, accusing them of meticulously tracking Hidma's movements, ultimately leading to what they describe as his targeted elimination. In response to this alleged killing, the party has not only voiced its outrage but also announced a concrete plan of action: a total bandh across the Dandakaranya region on April 27th, preceded by a 'protest week' from April 22nd to 28th. It's their way, one might suppose, of demonstrating strength and rallying support against what they view as state oppression.

This incident, they contend, isn't isolated. It's part of a larger, systemic offensive by the government against revolutionary movements and, crucially, against indigenous peoples whom they claim are being displaced and exploited. In no uncertain terms, the Maoist leadership has vowed to intensify their armed struggle, promising to counter what they see as state-sponsored violence with renewed fervor. It really underscores, doesn't it, the deep-seated ideological conflict that continues to simmer in these often-forgotten corners of India.