What lessons can the Maoist-infested states learn from this model? Do not allow Naxalites to use forest areas as their sanctuaries.

Develop scientific ways of intelligence collection. And more importantly, focus on improving rural infrastructure and involvement of people in the development process. “The AP model is a combination of all these factors,” Inspector General of Police, Greyhounds, Anjani Kumar said.

Once the epicentre of the Naxalite movement, AP has now succeeded in flushing out Maoists from the state. This was achieved largely due to “greyhounds”, an elite anti-Naxalite outfit of the state police specialising in executing intelligence-led precision strikes.

Formed in 1989 as a special wing to counter Maoist activities by adopting jungle warfare and guerrilla tactics, Greyhounds has emerged as a role model for the rest of the country.

Explaining the success of Greyhounds model in the state, Kumar said its personnel first made inroads into deep forest areas where Maoists had set up their bases and the initial operations were aimed at preventing Naxalites from regrouping and enlarging their base.

Simultaneously, the village-wise collection of information was taken up to ascertain the details of missing persons. “By 1998-99, we had complete details of the underground cadre of the Maoists. The mapping of all villages was done by respective SPs,” the official said.

“The key aspect of the strategy to contain Naxalite activities was the monumental support from the government. Roads, communications, power and infrastructure development became crucial factors to keep Maoists at bay,” he said.

Following a direction from the Centre, Greyhounds has been imparting commando training to policemen from Maoist-affected states of Chhattisgarh, Orissa, West Bengal, Jharkhand and Bihar.

With Maoists stepping up their attacks targeting policemen, there is a need for better coordination and intelligence gathering among the affected states.