What was Permili Dalam

Permili Dalam, a notorious Naxalite group, was established in 1985 by a group of educated Telugu youths. Over time, these founders became increasingly active in Gadchiroli, where they gradually built up the group's membership. This area soon became the central hub for Maoist activities, largely due to the group’s efforts since its inception. Permili Dalam was recognized as one of five key armed factions within the Dandakaranya zone, specifically under the Maoist South Gadchiroli division. Their early operations included intimidating officials from the forest department, marking the beginning of their violent campaign.

The group also worked to incite the local tribal populations against officers at nearby police stations. This was part of a broader strategy to spread Maoist ideology, aiming to disrupt the existing governmental structure and gain support from the indigenous communities. As Permili Dalam’s influence grew, so did its membership, which eventually included female fighters, reflecting a significant expansion in its cadre.

The conflict instigated by Permili Dalam persisted for nearly four decades, during which many soldiers and members of the security forces lost their lives. However, over the years, as Gadchiroli developed and the government launched various initiatives to improve living conditions in the region, many young people began distancing themselves from the Maoist group. They started to see the benefits of peace and governmental support over the violent struggle advocated by the Naxalites.

Ultimately, after 39 years of prolonged conflict and efforts by security forces, Permili Dalam was completely dismantled in a decisive operation against Naxalite terror. This marked the end of the group’s long-standing reign of violence and its influence in the Gadchiroli region, bringing a sense of relief and hope for a more peaceful future to the local communities.

How Permili Dalam Once Incited Fear

An officer from the paramilitary unit involved in anti-Naxal operations spoke with OpIndia under the condition of anonymity. He provided detailed insights into the operational tactics of Permili Dalam and other Naxal organizations. These groups had a strategic approach to select locations that were hidden from the administrative view, allowing them to carry out their activities with less interference. These areas often involved the depths of the forests where small groups of police and forest department employees were positioned and became prime targets for assaults. After securing control, the Naxalites declared these regions as their territories and claimed to establish a parallel government, asserting their dominance and rule over the area.

The officer further revealed that within the dense woodlands of Gadchiroli, Permili Dalam set up training camps. These camps were not just hideouts but active grounds where young tribal members were radicalized against the government. The indoctrination included military-style training where the tribals were taught how to handle and use firearms effectively, preparing them for armed conflict against the state.

Moreover, the Naxalites’ resource acquisition tactics included raiding mines in Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh. During these raids, they would steal detonators, which were then provided to groups like Permili Dalam. The use of these detonators was twofold: they were essential in building bombs and were strategically used in planting landmines, thereby increasing the lethality of their operations.

In a further attempt to conceal their activities and ensure the safety of their arsenal, Permili Dalam, along with other Naxalite groups, resorted to burying their weapons in water tanks. This method of hiding their arms was crucial in evading detection by law enforcement agencies and maintaining a continuous supply of weapons for their operations.

A Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) officer involved in the anti-Naxal operations shared insights into the operational strategies and ambitions of Permili Dalam. This group, he explained, follows the Maoist doctrine, a framework that advocates the eradication of adversaries in every possible form. It was disclosed that Permili Dalam not only engaged in direct combat with security forces but also devised methods to sabotage their essential supplies by contaminating food and water. The officer expressed optimism about the future, emphasizing that the relentless continuation of such operations could lead to the eradication of Naxal influences from India.

Why Abujhmarh was made the headquarters

Further insights were provided by another CRPF officer who discussed why Abujhmarh was chosen as a strategic location by the Naxalites. He noted that the name Abujhmarh translates to "something that nobody could comprehend," reflecting the area's mysterious and complex nature. Covering an expanse of 4,400 square kilometers, the forest has not been fully mapped, which adds to its strategic ambiguity. Operations within this area require the governor's approval, indicating the sensitivity and restricted access to this region. The officer also mentioned that the geographical placement of Abujhmarh, straddling multiple state borders, occasionally gave the Naxalites tactical advantages during police border disputes. The forest's location, divided between Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh, provides a unique strategic benefit for covert operations and as a stronghold.