Jharkhand Police use light aircraft to drop pamphlets over naxal-affected areas to increase awareness

The pamphlets carry the names of PLFI’s top commanders, including its supremo Dinesh Gop. They mention the rewards announced against them, which in Gop’s case is Rs 25 lakh. There are at least 10 others with rewards ranging from Rs 2 lakh to Rs 10 lakh. One of the members is likely to have a reward of Rs 1 lakh. The police have appealed in the pamphlets that the identity of the informant, whose tip-off leads to arrest of the extremists, would be kept secret and they would be suitably rewarded.

“It was felt that there was a need for spreading awareness among people about the extremists. Airdropping pamphlets cover a large area in a short time. This airdropping was done using the report from the district SP, who had got the areas ear-marked. Such initiative would be carried out in future as and when the need is felt,” said Mullick.

Explaining the choice of light aircraft over chopper, Mullick said, “Light aircrafts are easier when it comes to covering larger areas. There are also some logistical issues with choppers. Since the state government has the required aircraft, we requested them for the same. They gave us the permission and we used it.”

Simdega Superintendent of Police, Rajeev Ranjan Singh said, “Our experience suggested that the penetration of the usual media in interior areas is very poor. Therefore, trying to create awareness through TV, newspapers or mobile phones may not have been of much use.

“Today’s initiative saw nearly 20,000 pamphlets being airdropped in Simdega, border areas with Odisha, and also some areas of Chaibasa and Gumla. Officials said that this also helped the police in overcoming issues related to hostile terrain and access, as they might face logistical problems or resistance. Further, as the residents in the interior areas remain largely cut-off from the outer world, it was possible that they were not aware about the illegal activities of ultras.