Palakkad: Maoists are eyeing a display of their armed power in a bid to prove their strength and influence, even as they press on with intervention in social and tribal issues. The move has been initiated in accordance with a policy drafted under the leadership of Nambala Kesavaraj, the group's new national general secretary, who had been leading the military wing of the organisation at the national level.

Central as well as state intelligence agencies consider a demonstration staged by gun-carrying Maoists on Saturday in Ambayathode in the Kottiyur panchayat of Kannur as part of the new approach.

A top officer of the intelligence wing said more such armed moves are expected. “The police is well-prepared to face the situation,” he said. “We're closely watching the moves of Maoist urban cells.”

The organisation, which started working in Kerala with a focus on tribal areas and cities, has not been able to create its targeted impact. Neither has it been able to recruit tribals as planned.

Extending the number of branches also did not help. Internal disputes sprang up as the arrest of leaders and the death of activists in the Nilambur firing dealt a severe blow to them.

The activities of the past two years were focused on making their presence felt and on centralised propaganda. The shift to armed display begins now.

The rise to the top of Nambala Kesavaraj was followed by an extensive revamp of the leadership. More young activists have been brought to the frontline.

Intelligence agencies have reached the conclusion that the continuous attacks in northern India were a result of the changes. Branches have been issued a deadline to recruit more young activists.

An armed Maoist group was seen earlier in Thalapuzha also in the state.