Hidma’s rise could change Maoist dynamics in Bastar
Leader’s appointment as central committee member may lead to deadlier attacks
RAIPUR: Intelligence reports suggesting that top Maoist commander Madvi Hidma has been appointed a central committee member of the outlawed CPI(Maoist) is giving sleepless nights to the security apparatus engaged in fighting left wing rebels in their stronghold of Bastar.
While there is no official statement or rebel literature confirming Hidma’s promotion, officials believe this could be a strategic move by the Maoists to boost the sagging morale of their cadres in Chhattisgarh.
“The ramifications of his promotion are many. This could be a new era of Maoist leadership as this is the first time that a Bastariya will be given command of the region and other locals like Ramder might follow soon,” said an IPS officer familiar with the region.
Police officials say the move is “strategic” because the top leadership – almost entirely comprising of rebels from Andhra Prarecent desh and Telangana – has often been accused of ignoring local commanders of Bastar for senior positions.
Central committee (CC) members are mostly graduates, but Hidma is just Class 10 pass – a radical shift indicating that local leaders with good operational capabilities but doubtful ideological grounding can rise to the CC.
A senior officer said that though informers have confirmed Hidma’s promotion, things are still not clear.
“We can confirm only when we see it in any Maoist literature.”
Sources claim the decision was taken during a meeting of senior Maoist leaders in the jungles of Bijapur.
Hidma was said to be injured in operation with security forces and is recuperating in the jungles of Abujhmad.
Hidma belongs to the Muriya tribal community of Bastar region and was born in Purvati village of south Sukma.
His village is still out of bounds for the police.
“Bastariya muriya tribals are brutal and aggressive and Hidma has already established himself as a master strategist and successful operational commander. His promotion will further motivate him and his team,” said another police officer.
There is also apprehension that after his promotion he could plot more deadly attacks.
“Since he is head of the notorious Battalion 1, he might create another battalion with the help of weapons looted from the CRPF this year,” said the officer.
Sources claim a small platoon has been formed recently under the guidance of Hidma in south Sukma.
“The looted weapons have been given this platoon and their training is going on,” said a source.