Two booked in Hanamkonda for paying tributes to slain Maoist Hidma

Following the death of Maoist commander Madivi Hidma in an encounter in Andhra Pradesh’s ASR district, tributes poured in from adivasi associations, student groups, and journalists on social media. However, villagers in Hanamkonda district who displayed flex banners in his honour faced police action, with two booked for putting up the banner.

Warangal: After Maoist Commander Madivi Hidma’s death in an encounter in the Maredumilli forests in ASR district of Andhra Pradesh recently, many youngsters associated with adivasi associations and student organisations as well as journalists have posted condolence messages on their WhatsApp status.

However, villagers who put up flex banners paying homage to Hidma have now landed in trouble. This was after a flex banner was displayed at Shodashapally village of Veleru mandal in Hanamkonda district on Saturday.

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The local police who learnt about the flex banners removed them and registered a case against two persons, Koyyada Suresh and Myaka Buchaiah, who were said to have put up the banner.

Many others have paid tributes with Hidma and his grieving mother Madivi Pojje’s pictures. Many likened him to adivasi heroes like Alluri Sitarama Raju, Kumram Bheem, Birsa Munda and others who revolted against suppression by the State.

“Hidma was an icon and idolised by adivasis who were troubled by Salwa Judum and security forces, but not just another Maoist cadre operating in Dandakaranya. He might not be liked by police but everyone has a right to express sympathy over his death,” Warangal-based journalist Velagandula Ajay said.