Greyhounds must remain vigilant despite lull in Maoist activity: Home Minister

Andhra Pradesh Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha has said that there should be no scope for complacency at any level in counter–Left Wing Extremism (LWE) operations, even as extremist activity shows a relative decline in the State.

During a review of the operational preparedness of the elite Greyhounds at its training facility on Monday, the Minister cautioned that despite a relative lull in extremist activity, security forces must remain on high alert. She noted that Maoist groups have a history of launching surprise attacks in Andhra Pradesh and stressed the need for sustained vigilance.

Her visit comes against the backdrop of a recent review meeting chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah with Left Wing Extremism-affected States to strengthen the national strategy against Maoist activity and improve coordination among security agencies.

The Minister praised the Greyhounds force for its training standards, discipline, operational readiness, and professionalism, and said the unit had been steadily enhancing its capabilities through upgraded infrastructure and training systems.

At the Greyhounds Training Centre, she inspected a range of facilities, including indoor and outdoor strength and conditioning units, a synthetic athletic endurance track, modern firing ranges, and specialised water surveillance and combat training infrastructure aimed at improving endurance and operational effectiveness.

Interacting with officers and commandos, the Minister appreciated their courage and commitment in difficult operational conditions in the fight against Left Wing Extremism. She also felicitated the winners of the recent All India Commando Competition, commending their performance and noting that they had brought recognition to the State at the national level.

Greyhounds personnel expressed gratitude to the government for its continued support and welfare measures extended to them and their families.