What next for Maoists after Kishenji's death?

New Delhi: After the death of Maoist leader Kishenji, fears are that the group will retaliate strongly in West Bengal. But the big question remains - under whose leadership could that be?

He came to boost the morale of his cadres, but ended up being killed. Maoist leader Kishenji reportedly sneaked into Bengal's Jungalmahal through the Jharkhand border and was tracked down last Tuesday. He was killed two days later, leaving behind a leadership crisis.

So, what next for the Maoists? Who will take over? Officials say there are some strong contenders.

Topping the list is Kisenji's brother Venugopal Rao, a central committee member currently active on the Orissa-Andhra border.

Also in the race from the party's West Midnapore unit are Asim Mindal alias Aakash, secretary of the party's state unit and Mansaram Hembram alias Bikash, the only tribal in Bengal's Maoist leadership.

From Purulia, Arnab Dam alias Bikram and Ranjit Pal are being seen as the prominent contenders.

Official sources following Maoist activities say that it is only a matter of time before the outfit regroups and organises strikes. Only this time, they feel, the losses caused to life and government property may just be higher than what the guerillas have managed to inflict so far.

What's worse, sustained search operations for the missing Maoists from the Burishole forest encounter have failed to yield any results. Officials fear the ultras may plan a retaliatory strike in the first week of December.

"Usually when such a hit happens there such possibilities...and we as professionals need to take certain steps, which we shall do," said CRPF DGK Vijay Kumar.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has already justified the encounter saying it will stop possible bloodshed in the future. But with the state appointed interlocutors formally backing out of peace talks after Kishenji's killing, peace in Jungalmahal may not be at hand anytime soon.

(For updates you can share with your friends, follow IBNLive on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and Pinterest)

#Kishenji #Maoist #Naxal #West Bengal #leadership crisis