Palakkad: Claiming a strong foothold in Kerala, a Malayali woman Maoist cadre has said that the ultra leftist outfit will strengthen its relationship with the people of the southern state and challenge the government.

In an exclusive interview to Manorama News, Anu, a woman clad in militant uniform and donning a cap carrying a red star, said that the outfit was planning to gain its roots among the adivasis and weaker sections of society and then take on the government. She also acknowledged the support of sympathizers from mainstream society as well.

"We feel that the people here are ready to accept us. But the government is placing hurdles on our paths towards making forays into the public. Though in a limited measure, we were able to overcome that. Police interventions and the presence of Thunderbolt forces are big hurdles to us. Since the security personnel depend on people for information, we should also fear traitors,” Anu said.

Challenging the state forces, Anu said they were able to go to the people and talk to them, even in places where government has deployed 300 to 400 security personnel. "This definitely shows people's support for us,” she said, exuding confidence that they will succeed in broadening their base among the people," Anu said.

Anu said that she was inspired by activists like Ajitha who led the Naxalite movement in Kerala in the 1970s. “It is a matter of pride that the movement, which they led in those times, has grown up," Anu said.