The decision was taken at a recent high-level meeting. “All I can say is that we are taking security measures based on the threat perception,” said Manoj Verma, Superintendent of Police (West Midnapore). Though the top brass of the state police is tight-lipped over the issue, sources said a specially trained squad of the Maoists has plans to attack the CPM leaders in the area. The security advisory, which contains a number of dos and don’ts, has been sent to almost all high and middle-ranking CPM leaders of the three districts.

The CPM leaders have been told not to travel during night. They have been also advised not to hold meetings inside forests and to provide prior information of their visits to the police.

“We have asked them to remain alert all the time. The leaders have also been asked to exercise extreme caution for their family members and limit their movements too,” said a senior police officer.

The STRACO personnel will not only act as bodyguards of top leaders but will also guard their house and party office. “Earlier, state armed force personnel used to guard the top leaders, but we feel that in the present situation this may not be enough. Therefore STRACO will be deployed for their protection,” said a senior police officer.