Helicopters to lift anti-Naxal ops

Anti-Extremist operations are likely to be intensified in the Naxal-infested districts of Chhattisgarh with airborne units of security forces likely to begin operations against Maoist extremists soon.

Anti-Extremist operations are likely to be intensified in the Naxal-infested districts of Chhattisgarh with airborne units of security forces likely to begin operations against Maoist extremists soon. The Raman Singh government has received a go ahead from the Ministry of Home Affairs to lease helicopters to para drop security personnel engaged in anti-Naxal operations.

Official sources said the decision to lease helicopters from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited was taken after a high-level security meeting held recently. The necessity to lease helicopters was felt after the Centre8217;s decision to deploy an Unmanned Air Vehicle UAV for tracking down the guerrilla hideouts and monitor their movements.

8220;As Naxal units are constantly on the move, we need to use the information provided to us by the UAVs on a real time basis. If we wait for too long, we will lose track of the extremist operatives,8221; a senior official said.

The advantage of the UAV is that it not only maps the terrain, but also pick up radio transmissions. 8220;It thus serves a double purpose and once para-dropping of forces is coordinated we can effectively weed-out the extremist forces,8221; the senior official added. Quick reaction teams of security personnel, who have undergone commando training, are being prepared for deployment by helicopters.

With this, Chhattisgarh becomes the second state after Andhra Pradesh to get air cover in the battle against the Maoists. The Centre had recently agreed to the Andhra Pradesh government8217;s request for a helicopter, with the provision that it would only be used for logistical and not offensive operations against the extremists.

While the UAV is to be used by police forces in Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Orissa, the decision to para drop security forces is being taken for the first time.

Official sources said IAF personnel are being briefed by the Chhattisgarh Police for joint operations with the help of the inputs culled out by the UAV.

Story continues below this ad

As part of the intensified effort against Naxalites, 12 battalions of Central Paramilitary Force, including a Naga battalion, have already been deployed in eight affected districts of the state. Among all Naxal-affected states in the country, Chhattisgarh has the highest number of casualties in extremist violence with over 300 civilians and about 35 security personnel being killed this year alone.