Thousands of Chhattisgarh tribals cross over to

BHADRACHALAM: Thousands of tribal people of Chhattisgarh near the Andhra border, caught in a pincer-like situation, are migrating in large numbers to the Bhadrachalam division of Khammam district.

Harassed by the Maoists, police and Salva Judum alike, about 12,000 tribals of Dantewada district of the neighbouring State have crossed over in the past 12 days, according to informed sources.

According to official information, more than 20,000 tribals have migrated from Chhattishgarh and have been living in Khammam district since 2005.

In the name of Green Hunt, police and Salva Judum forces of Chhattisgarh are allegedly raiding tribal villages, beating them up and even burgling their houses.

Three days ago, the forces allegedly killed six tribals at Kristaram in Dantewada district on the charge that were working as Maoist couriers.

Those terrified people who could not flee to Andhra Pradesh are taking shelter in the deep forests of Chhattisgarh.

The infux of people is causing concern to the Andhra Pradesh police as they think it creates a law and order problem. On the other hand, Maoists are trying to regroup in Andhra Pradesh and are hell-bent on demoralising the forces by striking terror in Khammam district.

The Maoists warned polictical leaders that they themselves had to blame if any thing happened to them.