Maoists attack chopper,1 dead

As the chopper landed at Kistaram one of the remotest areas in South Bastar a group of Naxalites opened fire at the helicopter and at the ground forces,who were guarding the helipad. Constable Laxmi Narayan Dhurv was killed in the firing. Another constable sustained serious injuries.

As soon as the rebels started firing,the alert helicopter pilot took off,but two bullets hit the chopper. However,it landed safely at Jagdalpur,the divisional headquarters of Bastar.

Food supply to the security personnel posted at Kistaram and other remote locations in South Bastar are dispatched by helicopters at frequent intervals,as landmine attacks make the movement of security personnel by road unsafe. Helicopters are also used to ferry security personnel to police stations and outposts located in inaccessible areas of the region.

This is the second time that Maoists have targeted a helicopter in Bastar,which is facing the problem of Naxalism for the past 30 years.