Malkangiri: Security forces have launched aerial attacks with choppers and drones as a part of their new strategy to combat Maoists in areas of Chhattisgarh bordering Malkangiri district, sources said Tuesday.
This new mode of combat has created panic among the Red rebels. They have now split into groups and are running for cover. Security forces decided to implement the new strategy as it is not always possible for them to engage in face-to-face combats with the Maoists.
To counter this new strategy, the Maoists are now organising ‘Praja Meli’ – a ploy to hide themselves among the residents of the area. Some villagers have been injured in the aerial attacks and the Maoists are trying to take advantage of this.
Sources said that Maoists are forcing local villagers to actively oppose the aerial attacks. On the other hand, the South Bastar Maoist outfit has issued a press release condemning the aerial attacks.
They alleged that the Centre and the Odisha government are harming innocents on the pretext of combating the Red rebels. Sources said that the security forces have twice conducted air strikes in the last four months.
First drones try and identify a Maoist hideout. Then choppers are used to drop bombs on the hideout and use machine gun fire on the fleeing Maoists.
The new strategy was adopted after Union Home Minister Amit Shah visited Chhattisgarh a few months back and stated that there will no more Maoists in the state before the 2024 general elections.
PNN