NAXALS MAY TARGET CHOPPERS ENGAGED IN ANTI-MAOIST OPS

An intelligence report has been handed over to the Union Home Ministry, warning that this time Naxalites, instead of targeting convoys of security personnel, may attack helicopters used in anti-Naxal operations through rocket launchers.

According to the report of the intelligence agency, the commander of Naxalite PLGA BN-1 “Hidma” is planning to attack the security forces with snatched weapons and UBGL/rocket launchers. Not only this, these Naxalites are trying to target helicopters used in ferrying security forces and during anti-Naxal ops. All the agencies have been alerted about this danger.

As per the report accessed by The Daily Guardian, Naxalite commander Hidma and his dreaded accomplices have been camping in Bijapur, Chhattisgarh, for the past several days. The security forces have issued an alert that these Naxalites can strike on security forces and the patrolling party, along with their comrades. According to the intelligence agency, Hidma, with a reward of Rs 25 lakh, is mobilising more than 200 Naxal camps in the forests of Sukma and Bijapur, and exploring ways to damage security apparatus through IED.

The Naxalites are running a Tactical Counter Offensive Campaign (TCOC). According to the intelligence agency, a TCOC plan has been prepared to attack the security forces near the new tri-junction. A dreaded Naxalite, Madanna, is constantly engaged in implementing his strategy to attack the security forces. Apart from this, the IB have alerted the security forces in all Naxal-affected areas that Naxalites can carry out major attacks on the Jharkhand, Orissa and Chhattisgarh border.

According to the IB report, Naxalites are becoming increasingly active on the Lanji mountain of Chaibasa, Jharkhand. Around 300 of them are camping in the dense forest there, along with the support of some locals. Moreover, two squads are hidden on the Bengal-Orissa border between the forest of East Singhbhum (Galudih-Dumaria-Ghatshila). The report also states that 55-70 Naxalites are hiding in Seraikela. The headquarters has issued an alert to the police of East Singhbhum, West Singhbhum and Seraikela Kharsawan of Kolhan division about a potential ambush.