Countering the Maoist insurgency that rages across India is one of those problems that receive attention in an on-off manner. The “latest of the best” to tackle the problem is the plan to offer Rs3 lakh to those ultra-Left insurgents who surrender. It is a bad idea that is least likely to deliver results.
Under the plan being considered, each surrendering insurgent will be given Rs3 lakh. This money will have a lock-in period of three years. While the erstwhile Maoist will not be able to touch the money, he/she will be able to take a loan against the deposit.
There are two issues at hand. At one level, the problem is that of policy efficacy and that of social incentives to abjure political violence. Incentives for militants who surrender have been tried for a long time in India. In Assam, for example, surrendered United Liberation Front of Asom (Sulfa) cadres were given money for rehabilitation. Soon the Sulfa men wanted guns to protect themselves from Ulfa. Gunfights in the towns and villages of Assam were the result. Soon enough, the Sulfa men took up petty crime to earn a living.
A linked matter is whether the government will offer such incentives to any group of citizens who take to crime and then become too big to be tackled by security forces. A surrender policy, instead of offering incentives to abjure violence, is likely to spur violence: the group taking up arms knowing well that money is out there just for the asking.
The second question is that of the capacity of the Union and state governments to tackle such violence. It is unsurprising that the scheme has found popularity in states such as Uttar Pradesh that have little or no ability to fight Maoists. Years of political interference and neglect in modernizing the police force have brought matters to such a pass. An interim solution, pending the larger project to destroy the social and political base of Maoism, would be to increase security spending. For example, the Rs3 lakh per surrendering Maoist (expected to cost Rs400 crore by one estimate) could be better spent on the badly equipped and demoralized policemen fighting Leftist militants in far-flung districts that few in Delhi have heard of.
Should Maoists be given money to surrender? Tell us at views@livemint.com
Friday, August 07, 2009
Maoists kill three to spread terror
Shaktipada Murmu’s wife cries with her child in her arms. (Samir Mondal)
OUR CORRESPONDENT
Binpur, Aug. 6: Maoists executed three Jharkhand Party (Naren) workers making them kneel and then shooting them in the head near Lalgarh in a move to spread panic among political forces and enforce “domination” over the area.
The three youths were from Binpur, where the Jharkhand Party (Naren) is said to have taken the rebels’ help to win in the state elections.
The CPM is usually the target of the Maoist bullet but the latest attack indicates that no political force will be spared by them.
Late last night, about 15 armed Maoists descended on Magura village in Binpur block, on the periphery of Lalgarh, and headed for a cold storage unit where three youths were watching television with a dozen others in their small party office on the premises.
On reaching the party office, the Maoists called out Shaktipada Murmu, Budheswar Hansda and Asim Soren.
Murmu, 28, was a farmer, Hansda, 25, and Soren, 24, worked in the cold storage.
When the trio emerged, the Maoists ringed them, then dragged them half a kilometre to Ankho village and shot them dead beside a village path.
The police, judging by the way they were found this morning, said the three were made to kneel down and then shot at the back of their heads.
“When I heard the shots, I realised that the Maoists were killing someone,” said villager Bireshwar Murmu.
The Jharkhand Party (Naren) said there was no reason for the Maoists to target the trio as they were neither police informers nor working against the Maoists.
Binpur MLA and Jharkhand Party (Naren) leader Chunibala Hansda said she had “no clue” on why the three were targeted. “They were just party workers, not prominent leaders,” said Hansda. “Now, our party workers are planning to flee in large numbers.”
The police said this was what the Maoists wanted.
When the People’s Committee Against Police Atrocities was formed last November and the Maoists lent support to it, the Jharkhand Party (Naren) did not support it. Relations soured further when the rebels told the party to boycott the general elections but it put up a candidate in Jharkhand.
“We have learnt our lesson from Nandigram where Trinamul disowned us though we were part of the movement,” a Maoist leader said. “We want total area domination here.”
Indian extreme left-wing rebels acquiring equipment to blow roads
www.chinaview.cn 2009-08-07 19:21:51 Print
NEW DELHI, Aug. 7 (Xinhua) -- India's extreme left-wing rebels are acquiring equipment and boring machines that can dig up well-laid roads so that security forces are not able to get close to the areas where they operate from, said government sources on Friday.
Last year, the Home Ministry drew up the road construction plan with a view to enabling security forces to penetrate deep into the areas where the rebels, also known as Naxalites, operate from within short notice.
After they became aware that the government has sanctioned funds for developing roads and other infrastructure in states where they operate from, the Naxalite groups from various states made a decision to acquire equipment and boring machines, top level sources in the Home Ministry revealed.
The Naxalites have already acquired some of the machines and plan to get them in thousands. The plan will be executed after police and paramilitary forces leave the areas where roads will be constructed, said the sources.
The Home Ministry has already alerted the states to take adequate steps to ensure that Naxalites do not succeed in their plans.
It has also offered as much financial help and other facilities that they may need both during the time of construction and also after that.
Even during the road construction done under the "Pradhan Mantri's Gramin Sadak Yojana", a part of which was completed from last year to June this year, Naxalites had reportedly thought of the same scheme, but shortage of funds is believed to have desisted them from making such a move.
Editor: Bi Mingxin
NEW DELHI, Aug. 7 (Xinhua) -- India's extreme left-wing rebels are acquiring equipment and boring machines that can dig up well-laid roads so that security forces are not able to get close to the areas where they operate from, said government sources on Friday.
Last year, the Home Ministry drew up the road construction plan with a view to enabling security forces to penetrate deep into the areas where the rebels, also known as Naxalites, operate from within short notice.
After they became aware that the government has sanctioned funds for developing roads and other infrastructure in states where they operate from, the Naxalite groups from various states made a decision to acquire equipment and boring machines, top level sources in the Home Ministry revealed.
The Naxalites have already acquired some of the machines and plan to get them in thousands. The plan will be executed after police and paramilitary forces leave the areas where roads will be constructed, said the sources.
The Home Ministry has already alerted the states to take adequate steps to ensure that Naxalites do not succeed in their plans.
It has also offered as much financial help and other facilities that they may need both during the time of construction and also after that.
Even during the road construction done under the "Pradhan Mantri's Gramin Sadak Yojana", a part of which was completed from last year to June this year, Naxalites had reportedly thought of the same scheme, but shortage of funds is believed to have desisted them from making such a move.
Editor: Bi Mingxin
7 Maoists caught in Paliganj
TNN 7 August 2009, 12:17am IST
PATNA: Patna police late on Wednesday night arrested seven Maoists, including the area commander of CPI(Maoist)'s Sone-Punpun area committee, from
Paliganj.
Patna SSP Vineet Vinayak on Thursday said the Maoists were arrested while they were on way to Gurua in Gaya district, carrying sheets of bullet-proof jackets to show them to their seniors so that their outfit could procure it. He said besides the metal-sheets, Naxal literatures were also seized from their possession.
Vinayak said one of the arrested Maoists, Ganesh alias Ganesh Bhagwan, was an accused in a case of loot of five police rifles in Arwal in 1999. He was released from jail about ten months back and elevated to the rank of area commander. Ganesh was also involved in the blast of towers of a private cellphone company in Paliganj few months back, he added.
The arrested Maoists have been identified as Ganesh alias Ganesh Bhagwan, a resident of Imamganj, Manoj Kumar, Rajit Kumar, Upendra Kumar, Nand Kumar, Upendra Gupta and Ramswaroop Paswan alias Naresh Paswan alias Mahesh, all residents of Karpi in Arwal, and Kasinath, a resident of Begumpur in Patna City.
PATNA: Patna police late on Wednesday night arrested seven Maoists, including the area commander of CPI(Maoist)'s Sone-Punpun area committee, from
Paliganj.
Patna SSP Vineet Vinayak on Thursday said the Maoists were arrested while they were on way to Gurua in Gaya district, carrying sheets of bullet-proof jackets to show them to their seniors so that their outfit could procure it. He said besides the metal-sheets, Naxal literatures were also seized from their possession.
Vinayak said one of the arrested Maoists, Ganesh alias Ganesh Bhagwan, was an accused in a case of loot of five police rifles in Arwal in 1999. He was released from jail about ten months back and elevated to the rank of area commander. Ganesh was also involved in the blast of towers of a private cellphone company in Paliganj few months back, he added.
The arrested Maoists have been identified as Ganesh alias Ganesh Bhagwan, a resident of Imamganj, Manoj Kumar, Rajit Kumar, Upendra Kumar, Nand Kumar, Upendra Gupta and Ramswaroop Paswan alias Naresh Paswan alias Mahesh, all residents of Karpi in Arwal, and Kasinath, a resident of Begumpur in Patna City.
Forces getting ready to boot out Maoists
7 Aug 2009, 0248 hrs IST, Bharti Jain, ET Bureau
NEW DELHI: Security forces are preparing for a long haul in the counter-Naxalite grid, with a good 26,000 personnel drawn from CRPF, BSF, ITBP and
Nagaland armed battalion joining hands to “liberate” Maoist strongholds over the next couple of years.
The upcoming offensive against the Maoists, timed for a launch sometime in October, will see additional deployment of nearly 16 battalions of CRPF, five of BSF, one of ITBP and two Naga battalions, to carry out surgical, intelligence-based strikes on their hideouts in strongholds like Abujmarh and Malkangiri.
The forces will be pulled out from J&K and the North-East, with some troops being disengaged from the international border as well.
The possibility of involving the Army at some point during the offensive is not ruled out either. Rashtriya Rifles, which is currently manning the counter-insurgency grid in Jammu & Kashmir, may be engaged as and when required. Any immediate move to involve the Army is, however, unlikely as the agencies feel that its presence would be required more at the border, J&K and the North-East in the wake of Central forces being pulled out from there.
The operational strategies for the anti-Maoist offensive are being finalised and will be fine-tuned in consultation with the seven Naxal-hit states at the upcoming chief ministers’ meet on internal security on August 17.
A separate session in the evening will be devoted to Naxal management, with the Centre enlisting the cooperation and participation of the police of the Naxal-hit states in the proposed counter-operation. “The police will not only be part of the operations, but will also need to set up new police stations,” an MHA official pointed out.
The plan is to carry out operations based on pinpointed intelligence regarding Maoist hideouts and camps. Armed with clear GIS maps, the security forces and state police will liberate Naxalite-infested areas and hold them until administration is brought in.
“It’s a long-term strategy...the forces will have to stay deployed for at least the next two years,” said a senior home ministry official.
The offensive will be massive in magnitude and will also involve air support for reconnaissance, besides evacuation and movement of the forces. It will also see a technical and equipment upgrade with more mine-proof vehicles, better bullet-proof cars and mine detectors being placed at the forces’ disposal.
The discussions at the upcoming interaction between the Prime Minister and chief ministers of the Naxal-hit states will essentially focus on operational matters, including whether the strategy should focus on pincer operations or pushing the Naxalites in.
The operational strategies may evolve as the offensive progresses, with the options being whether to first hit at strongholds like Abujmarh and Malkangiri or to reclaim smaller pockets of Naxalites’ influence like Lalgarh in West Bengal.
NEW DELHI: Security forces are preparing for a long haul in the counter-Naxalite grid, with a good 26,000 personnel drawn from CRPF, BSF, ITBP and
Nagaland armed battalion joining hands to “liberate” Maoist strongholds over the next couple of years.
The upcoming offensive against the Maoists, timed for a launch sometime in October, will see additional deployment of nearly 16 battalions of CRPF, five of BSF, one of ITBP and two Naga battalions, to carry out surgical, intelligence-based strikes on their hideouts in strongholds like Abujmarh and Malkangiri.
The forces will be pulled out from J&K and the North-East, with some troops being disengaged from the international border as well.
The possibility of involving the Army at some point during the offensive is not ruled out either. Rashtriya Rifles, which is currently manning the counter-insurgency grid in Jammu & Kashmir, may be engaged as and when required. Any immediate move to involve the Army is, however, unlikely as the agencies feel that its presence would be required more at the border, J&K and the North-East in the wake of Central forces being pulled out from there.
The operational strategies for the anti-Maoist offensive are being finalised and will be fine-tuned in consultation with the seven Naxal-hit states at the upcoming chief ministers’ meet on internal security on August 17.
A separate session in the evening will be devoted to Naxal management, with the Centre enlisting the cooperation and participation of the police of the Naxal-hit states in the proposed counter-operation. “The police will not only be part of the operations, but will also need to set up new police stations,” an MHA official pointed out.
The plan is to carry out operations based on pinpointed intelligence regarding Maoist hideouts and camps. Armed with clear GIS maps, the security forces and state police will liberate Naxalite-infested areas and hold them until administration is brought in.
“It’s a long-term strategy...the forces will have to stay deployed for at least the next two years,” said a senior home ministry official.
The offensive will be massive in magnitude and will also involve air support for reconnaissance, besides evacuation and movement of the forces. It will also see a technical and equipment upgrade with more mine-proof vehicles, better bullet-proof cars and mine detectors being placed at the forces’ disposal.
The discussions at the upcoming interaction between the Prime Minister and chief ministers of the Naxal-hit states will essentially focus on operational matters, including whether the strategy should focus on pincer operations or pushing the Naxalites in.
The operational strategies may evolve as the offensive progresses, with the options being whether to first hit at strongholds like Abujmarh and Malkangiri or to reclaim smaller pockets of Naxalites’ influence like Lalgarh in West Bengal.
Maoist leader held in Bihar
Aurangabad (Bihar), Aug 7 (PTI) A Maoist leader was arrested with arms and ammunitions in Bihar's Aurangabad district today, police said.
"Acting on a tip-off, special task force personnel raided Misirbigha village and captured Satish Mishra, a commander of the banned CPI-Maoist outfit, SP Nishant Kumar Tiwari said.
Two rifles and 75 rounds of ammunition were recovered from his possession, he said.
Mishra was also wanted in several criminal cases, the SP added.
"Acting on a tip-off, special task force personnel raided Misirbigha village and captured Satish Mishra, a commander of the banned CPI-Maoist outfit, SP Nishant Kumar Tiwari said.
Two rifles and 75 rounds of ammunition were recovered from his possession, he said.
Mishra was also wanted in several criminal cases, the SP added.
Thursday, August 06, 2009
Moral lesson for Maoists
SHEENA K.
Raipur, Aug. 5: Not through the power of bullets alone, the state government is mooting a proposal to preach morality in the red zone to curb Maoist menace.
To help the government in its move, teachers working in the interior areas — where the rebels have their say — would be pressed into service. About 150 government teachers from the worst Maoist-hit districts of Dantewada and Bijapur are currently undergoing training to impart moral values, spirituality and humanity.
Though government teachers would attend the programme organised by the state’s education department, teachers from Maoist-hit Bijapur and Dantewada districts were selected for the first batch.
“After the programme, teachers will work for creating awareness about moral values, spirituality and humanity that can help bring ideological change in the society,” education department secretary Nandkumar said.
Raipur, Aug. 5: Not through the power of bullets alone, the state government is mooting a proposal to preach morality in the red zone to curb Maoist menace.
To help the government in its move, teachers working in the interior areas — where the rebels have their say — would be pressed into service. About 150 government teachers from the worst Maoist-hit districts of Dantewada and Bijapur are currently undergoing training to impart moral values, spirituality and humanity.
Though government teachers would attend the programme organised by the state’s education department, teachers from Maoist-hit Bijapur and Dantewada districts were selected for the first batch.
“After the programme, teachers will work for creating awareness about moral values, spirituality and humanity that can help bring ideological change in the society,” education department secretary Nandkumar said.
'Operation Lalgarh was a failure'
6 Aug 2009, 0125 hrs IST, TIMES NOW
In an admission which will leave the Centre red-faced, a report sent by the Superintendent of Police, West Bengal and District Magistrate to the Chief Secretary claims that Operation Lalgarh was a failure. The report accessed by TIMES NOW also claims that the Lalgarh operation by the joint forces has been overshadowed by the Maoist forces.
The report states, "We are afraid that the Midnapore, Jhargram town & Kotoyali police station may be attacked by the Maoists any time. Maoists have extended their base into forests like Manikpara, Rambasar and Sardiha. A group of seven to eight Maoist action squad members are moving around Lalgarh."
Reacting to the report, senior CPI(M) Politburo member Biman Bose said that he is extremely concerned with the situation, adding that he will ensure the issue is taken up with the administration as soon as possible.
Meanwhile, following the failure of the operation the SP has made certain demands from the government. Six more companies of central forces have been demanded to protect the Midnapore headquarters and a strategic review of the operation.
An emergency meeting has been called in Kolkata to review the situation after this report was received by the West Bengal government.
In an admission which will leave the Centre red-faced, a report sent by the Superintendent of Police, West Bengal and District Magistrate to the Chief Secretary claims that Operation Lalgarh was a failure. The report accessed by TIMES NOW also claims that the Lalgarh operation by the joint forces has been overshadowed by the Maoist forces.
The report states, "We are afraid that the Midnapore, Jhargram town & Kotoyali police station may be attacked by the Maoists any time. Maoists have extended their base into forests like Manikpara, Rambasar and Sardiha. A group of seven to eight Maoist action squad members are moving around Lalgarh."
Reacting to the report, senior CPI(M) Politburo member Biman Bose said that he is extremely concerned with the situation, adding that he will ensure the issue is taken up with the administration as soon as possible.
Meanwhile, following the failure of the operation the SP has made certain demands from the government. Six more companies of central forces have been demanded to protect the Midnapore headquarters and a strategic review of the operation.
An emergency meeting has been called in Kolkata to review the situation after this report was received by the West Bengal government.
Three Jharkhand Party (Naren) members killed
Midnapore (WB), Aug 6 (PTI) Blood-soaked bodies of three members of a Jharkhand party were found on a road at Binpur near Lalgarh in West Midnapore district this morning, leading to tension in the area
Police said the bodies belonged to Shaktipada Murmu, Asim Soren and Budhu Hansda, all members of Jharkhand Party (Naren). They were shot dead and their bodies chopped with sharp-edged weapons before being dumped on the Binpur-Dahijuri road at Magura village.
Though the police could not say who were behind the killing, the Binpur MLA, Chunibala Hansda of the JP (Naren), alleged the CPI-M was responsible.
The killings led to tension in the area.
The turf battle that ensued after the joint security forces launched their anti-Maoist offensive in Lalgarh and adjacent areas on June 18 has claimed 19 victims so far.
Yesterday, three persons were killed two of them being CPI-M workers and one JP (Naren) member.
Police said the bodies belonged to Shaktipada Murmu, Asim Soren and Budhu Hansda, all members of Jharkhand Party (Naren). They were shot dead and their bodies chopped with sharp-edged weapons before being dumped on the Binpur-Dahijuri road at Magura village.
Though the police could not say who were behind the killing, the Binpur MLA, Chunibala Hansda of the JP (Naren), alleged the CPI-M was responsible.
The killings led to tension in the area.
The turf battle that ensued after the joint security forces launched their anti-Maoist offensive in Lalgarh and adjacent areas on June 18 has claimed 19 victims so far.
Yesterday, three persons were killed two of them being CPI-M workers and one JP (Naren) member.
Elusive extremist in police net after 15 years
Chennai, Aug 6 (PTI) A Maoist, who had been absconding since 1994 in Tamil Nadu and wanted in various cases, has been arrested here.
Krishnan alias Santhanrajan, a member of the frontal organisation of People's War Group, "Uzhavar Uzhaippalar Mamandram", was arrested yesterday, a police press release said.
The Villupuram-based college dropout was at the forefront in running the PWG in Naxal-infested area of Dharmapuri between 1994 and 2004, the release said.
A total of six cases, including attempt to murder and keeping pipe bombs in possession, were pending against him, it said, adding that non-bailable warrants (NBW) were also pending.
Krishnan alias Santhanrajan, a member of the frontal organisation of People's War Group, "Uzhavar Uzhaippalar Mamandram", was arrested yesterday, a police press release said.
The Villupuram-based college dropout was at the forefront in running the PWG in Naxal-infested area of Dharmapuri between 1994 and 2004, the release said.
A total of six cases, including attempt to murder and keeping pipe bombs in possession, were pending against him, it said, adding that non-bailable warrants (NBW) were also pending.
Maoists torch mobile towers
TNN 6 August 2009, 10:37pm IST
KORAPUT: Maoists torched battery rooms of two towers of private cellular operators at Dandabadi and Kaliaatal in the district. Around 10 p.m. on
Wednesday, 15 Maoists reached Dandabadi, destroyed the tower and torched the battery room before heading towards Kaliaatal, that is seven km from Dandabadi.
"There is no report of assault or casualty. Frequent patrolling in the area is not possible because these are quite remote. The rebels have left a few banners and posters at the spot. We are investigating," sub-divisional police officer (Jeypore) Prakash Patra said.
On Sunday, the Red rebels had damaged a mobile tower at Bobaya. The extremists damaged there mobile towers, including a BSNL telephone exchange, at Kakrigumma, about 40 km from Koraput on June 26. On July 28, they had blown up two mobile towers in Malkangiri district.
Maoist attacks on security personnel, state-run vehicles and police stations are nothing new in this part of the state. But, towers of cellphones seem to be the latest target of the extremists. According to sources, Maoists are trying to destroy communication network in the district so that security personnel cannot get information regarding their movement.
Policemen engaged in anti-Maoist operations are worried over this disturbing trend. "The Red rebels frequently target electricity towers in Chhattisgarh but here they are targeting mobile towers to disable community network," said a police officer. The officer said it is quite difficult to provide round-the-clock security coverage to all mobile towers.
In another development, several Maoists posters and banners were found at Chitrakonda in Malkangiri district on Thursday. Sources said the rebels through the posters have asked locals to cooperate during Kranti Diwas that they are going to observe on August 9.
KORAPUT: Maoists torched battery rooms of two towers of private cellular operators at Dandabadi and Kaliaatal in the district. Around 10 p.m. on
Wednesday, 15 Maoists reached Dandabadi, destroyed the tower and torched the battery room before heading towards Kaliaatal, that is seven km from Dandabadi.
"There is no report of assault or casualty. Frequent patrolling in the area is not possible because these are quite remote. The rebels have left a few banners and posters at the spot. We are investigating," sub-divisional police officer (Jeypore) Prakash Patra said.
On Sunday, the Red rebels had damaged a mobile tower at Bobaya. The extremists damaged there mobile towers, including a BSNL telephone exchange, at Kakrigumma, about 40 km from Koraput on June 26. On July 28, they had blown up two mobile towers in Malkangiri district.
Maoist attacks on security personnel, state-run vehicles and police stations are nothing new in this part of the state. But, towers of cellphones seem to be the latest target of the extremists. According to sources, Maoists are trying to destroy communication network in the district so that security personnel cannot get information regarding their movement.
Policemen engaged in anti-Maoist operations are worried over this disturbing trend. "The Red rebels frequently target electricity towers in Chhattisgarh but here they are targeting mobile towers to disable community network," said a police officer. The officer said it is quite difficult to provide round-the-clock security coverage to all mobile towers.
In another development, several Maoists posters and banners were found at Chitrakonda in Malkangiri district on Thursday. Sources said the rebels through the posters have asked locals to cooperate during Kranti Diwas that they are going to observe on August 9.
Seven Maoists held in Bihar
Patna, Aug 6 (PTI) Seven hardcore activists of the banned CPI (Maoist) were today arrested by the Special Task Force from Badauli village under Paliganj police station here, Senior Superintendent of Police Vinit Vinayak said.
Acting on a tip-off, STF men, assisted by the personnel of the Paliganj police station, raided the village and arrested them, Vinayak said.
Two life-jackets and several naxal literature were seized from them, he said adding that the naxalites were involved in several cases like attacking policemen, looting their rifles, and others
Acting on a tip-off, STF men, assisted by the personnel of the Paliganj police station, raided the village and arrested them, Vinayak said.
Two life-jackets and several naxal literature were seized from them, he said adding that the naxalites were involved in several cases like attacking policemen, looting their rifles, and others
Maoists gun down 2 more in Midnapore
TNN 6 August 2009, 04:26am IST
MIDNAPORE: Two more persons were gunned down by Maoists in West Midnapore district between Tuesday night and early Wednesday morning. While one of
the two killed was a member of the Gana Pratirodh Committee (GPC), the other was branded a police informer by the Naxalites.
The deaths have taken the toll of villagers kilkled by Maoists, since security forces launched their operations in June, to six.
Around 10 pm on Tuesday, an armed mob of about 30 pulled out Gunadhar Singh (40) from his home at Majugeria village under Belpahari PS and took him to the Bhulabheda forest, barely a kilometre away, and shot him twice. He died on the spot.
Villagers said Singh was earlier a member of the Jharkhand Party (Naren) and had recently joined GPC, an anti-Maoist organisation that is said to be backed by CPM.
Around 2 am on Wednesday, nearly 500 people some of them armed turned up outside Ramshankar Adhikary's house at Chilgora village under Kotwali PS on the outskirts of Midnapore town. When Ramshankar (37) emerged with brother Shaktipada, they were marched towards the road to Sirsi with their hands tied behind their backs. Shaktipada was allowed to return home but Ramshankar was told that he had been sentenced to death as he had informed police at the Chandra camp.
"We went to the Chandra police camp around 6.30 am and asked for help. The policemen told us: Amader ghar sansar nei naki (Don't we have families of our own).' They only came around noon to take away the body," said Renu Das. Police also retrieved a page from a diary, which mentioned that Adhikary was a police spy and the Maoists would carry out such strikes till the operations continued.
Shaktipada said he would leave the village. "My brother was a lorry driver, who had managed to buy a motorcycle after years of hard work. We have only 4-5 cottahs and can barely make ends meet. It is possible that my brother was mistaken to be an informer as his father-in-law is a policeman," he said.
However maoists, including their leader Bikash, maintained that Adhikary spent much time at the Chandra police camp.
MIDNAPORE: Two more persons were gunned down by Maoists in West Midnapore district between Tuesday night and early Wednesday morning. While one of
the two killed was a member of the Gana Pratirodh Committee (GPC), the other was branded a police informer by the Naxalites.
The deaths have taken the toll of villagers kilkled by Maoists, since security forces launched their operations in June, to six.
Around 10 pm on Tuesday, an armed mob of about 30 pulled out Gunadhar Singh (40) from his home at Majugeria village under Belpahari PS and took him to the Bhulabheda forest, barely a kilometre away, and shot him twice. He died on the spot.
Villagers said Singh was earlier a member of the Jharkhand Party (Naren) and had recently joined GPC, an anti-Maoist organisation that is said to be backed by CPM.
Around 2 am on Wednesday, nearly 500 people some of them armed turned up outside Ramshankar Adhikary's house at Chilgora village under Kotwali PS on the outskirts of Midnapore town. When Ramshankar (37) emerged with brother Shaktipada, they were marched towards the road to Sirsi with their hands tied behind their backs. Shaktipada was allowed to return home but Ramshankar was told that he had been sentenced to death as he had informed police at the Chandra camp.
"We went to the Chandra police camp around 6.30 am and asked for help. The policemen told us: Amader ghar sansar nei naki (Don't we have families of our own).' They only came around noon to take away the body," said Renu Das. Police also retrieved a page from a diary, which mentioned that Adhikary was a police spy and the Maoists would carry out such strikes till the operations continued.
Shaktipada said he would leave the village. "My brother was a lorry driver, who had managed to buy a motorcycle after years of hard work. We have only 4-5 cottahs and can barely make ends meet. It is possible that my brother was mistaken to be an informer as his father-in-law is a policeman," he said.
However maoists, including their leader Bikash, maintained that Adhikary spent much time at the Chandra police camp.
Combing operation intensified in Patamda
OUR CORRESPONDENT
Paramilitary jawans patrol in Patamda on Tuesday. Telegraph picture
Jamshedpur, Aug. 5: Police have stepped up vigil in the Lailam panchayat area and adjacent Patamda block where suspected Naxalites gunned down JMM leader Doren Singh Munda yesterday.
East Singhbhum superintendent of police Naveen Kumar said the rebels had neither claimed responsibility for Munda’s murder nor denied it. “We are investigating the case and trying to find more evidence,” he said.
Sources revealed that even a day after the JMM leader was killed, the police were clueless and struggling to find a lead in the case.
Patamda has seen a spurt in Maoist activities over the past few days. On August 1, rebels torched two trucks in Bhadodih village. Earlier, they had launched a poster campaign in Patamda and Nimdih blocks banning sale of marijuana and liquor.
“Naxalite-sponsored violence has become a frequent affair. It is difficult for us to live in this village. More so when the police swoop on our villages and pick up innocent people on the basis of suspicion,” said Ramesh Mahto, a resident of Lailam, who is staying at a relative’s house in Sonari since yesterday.
As police and paramilitary forces started combing operation in the villages of Patamda today, many, particularly youths, fled their homes fearing harassment. Police have denied the allegation of false implications.
Meanwhile, the JMM leader was cremated at his native village in Lailam.
Paramilitary jawans patrol in Patamda on Tuesday. Telegraph picture
Jamshedpur, Aug. 5: Police have stepped up vigil in the Lailam panchayat area and adjacent Patamda block where suspected Naxalites gunned down JMM leader Doren Singh Munda yesterday.
East Singhbhum superintendent of police Naveen Kumar said the rebels had neither claimed responsibility for Munda’s murder nor denied it. “We are investigating the case and trying to find more evidence,” he said.
Sources revealed that even a day after the JMM leader was killed, the police were clueless and struggling to find a lead in the case.
Patamda has seen a spurt in Maoist activities over the past few days. On August 1, rebels torched two trucks in Bhadodih village. Earlier, they had launched a poster campaign in Patamda and Nimdih blocks banning sale of marijuana and liquor.
“Naxalite-sponsored violence has become a frequent affair. It is difficult for us to live in this village. More so when the police swoop on our villages and pick up innocent people on the basis of suspicion,” said Ramesh Mahto, a resident of Lailam, who is staying at a relative’s house in Sonari since yesterday.
As police and paramilitary forces started combing operation in the villages of Patamda today, many, particularly youths, fled their homes fearing harassment. Police have denied the allegation of false implications.
Meanwhile, the JMM leader was cremated at his native village in Lailam.
Women power to take on rebels -- NSS
OUR CORRESPONDENT
Jamshedpur, Aug. 5: Nagrik Suraksha Samiti (NSS), a citizens’ vigilante group, is re-organising itself with induction of women even as Maoists are getting ready for their Shaheed Saptah (martyrs’ week) from August 7.
The outfit that fights Naxalite terror has made Raimat, the widow of slain NSS leader Dhanai Kisku, one of the three general secretaries. The other two are Shailendra Baske and Vikram Tuddu. Shanker Chandra Hembrom has been nominated president again.
Since its inception in 2002, the NSS has kept itself confined to men. And Raimat has been inducted as the outfit wants to encourage more women like her to take part in their anti-Naxalite campaigns. The women who enrolled would get to participate at meetings and other NSS deliberations. “We want more women in the group and have, therefore, made Raimat Kisku a general secretary so that the outfit emerges stronger in the coming days,” said Hembrom.
He said the outfit had not only reorganised itself but also decided to strengthen its information network as Naxalite activities had increased in Ghatshila sub-division, especially in Ghurabandha and areas close to the Bengal border.
The rebels will observe martyr’s week somewhere in Ghatshila sub-division to commemorate the Lango massacre when nine of their cadres were killed on August 7, 2003 after an NSS operation.
East Singhbhum SP Naveen Kumar Singh said: “We will intensify patrolling in Ghatshila during the week. We will ensure that the rebels do not get a chance to assemble anywhere in the district.”
Jamshedpur, Aug. 5: Nagrik Suraksha Samiti (NSS), a citizens’ vigilante group, is re-organising itself with induction of women even as Maoists are getting ready for their Shaheed Saptah (martyrs’ week) from August 7.
The outfit that fights Naxalite terror has made Raimat, the widow of slain NSS leader Dhanai Kisku, one of the three general secretaries. The other two are Shailendra Baske and Vikram Tuddu. Shanker Chandra Hembrom has been nominated president again.
Since its inception in 2002, the NSS has kept itself confined to men. And Raimat has been inducted as the outfit wants to encourage more women like her to take part in their anti-Naxalite campaigns. The women who enrolled would get to participate at meetings and other NSS deliberations. “We want more women in the group and have, therefore, made Raimat Kisku a general secretary so that the outfit emerges stronger in the coming days,” said Hembrom.
He said the outfit had not only reorganised itself but also decided to strengthen its information network as Naxalite activities had increased in Ghatshila sub-division, especially in Ghurabandha and areas close to the Bengal border.
The rebels will observe martyr’s week somewhere in Ghatshila sub-division to commemorate the Lango massacre when nine of their cadres were killed on August 7, 2003 after an NSS operation.
East Singhbhum SP Naveen Kumar Singh said: “We will intensify patrolling in Ghatshila during the week. We will ensure that the rebels do not get a chance to assemble anywhere in the district.”
UP ready to dangle carrots to counter Naxal campaign
Posted: Thursday , Aug 06, 2009 at 0551 hrs
Lucknow:
To discourage the unemployed youth of the Naxal-hit region of the state from joining the Naxal movement, the state Rural Development department is planning to promote region-specific employment generation programmes.
The Centre has asked the department to look for options under its employment generation schemes to target the problem of poverty in Naxal-hit districts like Sonebhadra, Chandauli and Mirzapur of the Vindhyanchal region.
The two successful Central government programmes generating employment are Swarnjayanti Grameen Swarozgar Yojna (SGSY) and the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (NREGS). “We have been asked by the Centre to focus on Naxal-hit regions and create employment options. In our existing schemes, we have the option of creating enough employment,” said senior official of the department.
“We are trying to identify the best suited tasks that can be undertaken in these districts, which can generate maximum employment,” the official added.
Ads by Google
News on Pakistan
News portal featuring Pakistan News Browse the Latest Headlines
CentralAsiaOnline.co
Searching for Home?
ICICI Home Search, Find your Dream home wih 0%* Brokerage. Apply Now!
ICICI-homesearch.com
Pension Plans
Professional, Expert Advice On All Pensions Schemes! Ask Us Today.
RupeeTalk.com/Pensio
The Centre had recently announced that it will focus on curbing Naxalism in states like Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh and Chattisgarh by not just strengthening policing, but also providing more employment opportunities to the locals.
Since the three districts in the Vindhyanchal region happen to be in the list of the 100 poorest districts in the country, the focus on successful implementation of these schemes have become even more important.
While the Centre has agreed to provide more funds for these districts, the department already has enough funds under SGSY and NREGS to start new projects as soon as they are approved.
Of the available funds of Rs 344.68 crore under SGSY, the department has spent only 15 per cent so far. Similarly in NREGS, only 78 per cent expenditure has been incurred as yet.
The officials from the Rural Development department of all the five Naxal-hit states will soon meet senior officials from the Rural Development and Home ministries in New Delhi.
They will submit the details of the progress made in the two government schemes as well as the proposals enlisting the tasks that can be further undertaken.
The department has already started a baseline survey to collect data from the blocks like population details, number of people working as labourers, unemployment and gaps in infrastructure.
A few years ago, a similar programme to target the Naxal-hit regions was launched by the Centre. But the programme was primarily targeted at developing infrastructure in the region.
This time around, officials say, the programme aims at providing employment not just to eradicate poverty but also to stop the young from joining the Naxal movement.
Lucknow:
To discourage the unemployed youth of the Naxal-hit region of the state from joining the Naxal movement, the state Rural Development department is planning to promote region-specific employment generation programmes.
The Centre has asked the department to look for options under its employment generation schemes to target the problem of poverty in Naxal-hit districts like Sonebhadra, Chandauli and Mirzapur of the Vindhyanchal region.
The two successful Central government programmes generating employment are Swarnjayanti Grameen Swarozgar Yojna (SGSY) and the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (NREGS). “We have been asked by the Centre to focus on Naxal-hit regions and create employment options. In our existing schemes, we have the option of creating enough employment,” said senior official of the department.
“We are trying to identify the best suited tasks that can be undertaken in these districts, which can generate maximum employment,” the official added.
Ads by Google
News on Pakistan
News portal featuring Pakistan News Browse the Latest Headlines
CentralAsiaOnline.co
Searching for Home?
ICICI Home Search, Find your Dream home wih 0%* Brokerage. Apply Now!
ICICI-homesearch.com
Pension Plans
Professional, Expert Advice On All Pensions Schemes! Ask Us Today.
RupeeTalk.com/Pensio
The Centre had recently announced that it will focus on curbing Naxalism in states like Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh and Chattisgarh by not just strengthening policing, but also providing more employment opportunities to the locals.
Since the three districts in the Vindhyanchal region happen to be in the list of the 100 poorest districts in the country, the focus on successful implementation of these schemes have become even more important.
While the Centre has agreed to provide more funds for these districts, the department already has enough funds under SGSY and NREGS to start new projects as soon as they are approved.
Of the available funds of Rs 344.68 crore under SGSY, the department has spent only 15 per cent so far. Similarly in NREGS, only 78 per cent expenditure has been incurred as yet.
The officials from the Rural Development department of all the five Naxal-hit states will soon meet senior officials from the Rural Development and Home ministries in New Delhi.
They will submit the details of the progress made in the two government schemes as well as the proposals enlisting the tasks that can be further undertaken.
The department has already started a baseline survey to collect data from the blocks like population details, number of people working as labourers, unemployment and gaps in infrastructure.
A few years ago, a similar programme to target the Naxal-hit regions was launched by the Centre. But the programme was primarily targeted at developing infrastructure in the region.
This time around, officials say, the programme aims at providing employment not just to eradicate poverty but also to stop the young from joining the Naxal movement.
Naxals warn liquor traders
;Statesman News Service
PARALAKHEMUNDI, 5 AUG: Posters and pamphlets warning the liquor manufacturing unit owners have been found near the Uppalad village, thereby putting pressure on the administration who have allowed the opening of the unit despite objections and protests.
In fact Uppalad village was the hot bed for Naxal activities in Gajapati district a decade ago and two constables had been killed in a attack carried out by the radicals. The Naxalites had also killed in broad day light one of their cadres who had become a police informer, and this had marked the advent of Naxalism in Gajapati .
But over the last few years, the Left wing extremists appeared to have abandoned the area and shifted to Mohona block. Locals apprehend that the anti-liquor movement and inaction by police may provide the scope for Naxals to return to Uppalad area.
The government had planned to start a country liquor manufacturing unit here as per their new excise policy, but persistent objections by locals had delayed the proposed project.
The licensee of the liquor unit had moved the law court and obtained orders prompting the district administration to allow the opening which again faced resistance.
Interestingly, the latest posters and pamplets are in Telugu and they warned the owner to close the unit of face dire consequences.
PARALAKHEMUNDI, 5 AUG: Posters and pamphlets warning the liquor manufacturing unit owners have been found near the Uppalad village, thereby putting pressure on the administration who have allowed the opening of the unit despite objections and protests.
In fact Uppalad village was the hot bed for Naxal activities in Gajapati district a decade ago and two constables had been killed in a attack carried out by the radicals. The Naxalites had also killed in broad day light one of their cadres who had become a police informer, and this had marked the advent of Naxalism in Gajapati .
But over the last few years, the Left wing extremists appeared to have abandoned the area and shifted to Mohona block. Locals apprehend that the anti-liquor movement and inaction by police may provide the scope for Naxals to return to Uppalad area.
The government had planned to start a country liquor manufacturing unit here as per their new excise policy, but persistent objections by locals had delayed the proposed project.
The licensee of the liquor unit had moved the law court and obtained orders prompting the district administration to allow the opening which again faced resistance.
Interestingly, the latest posters and pamplets are in Telugu and they warned the owner to close the unit of face dire consequences.
Govt to launch massive operation against Naxals: DGP
Nagpur, Aug 5 (PTI) Maharashtra Director General of Police (DGP) S S Virk today said the government will launch a joint operation with naxal-affected states to get rid of the menace.
The government will launch a joint operation with Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Orissa and Andhra Pradesh soon to curb the growing Naxalite menace in bordering areas, Virk told media persons after his visit to Naxal-hit region of Gadchiroli.
The DGP hinted that the joint operation would start after the monsoon, as it would be difficult for forces to cope with the jungle terrain during incessant rains.
He, however, refused to discuss the the issue in detail.
To a query about his visit to Naxal-infested region, Virk said he had gone to interact with police personnel fighting against left wing extremism.
The government will launch a joint operation with Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Orissa and Andhra Pradesh soon to curb the growing Naxalite menace in bordering areas, Virk told media persons after his visit to Naxal-hit region of Gadchiroli.
The DGP hinted that the joint operation would start after the monsoon, as it would be difficult for forces to cope with the jungle terrain during incessant rains.
He, however, refused to discuss the the issue in detail.
To a query about his visit to Naxal-infested region, Virk said he had gone to interact with police personnel fighting against left wing extremism.
Govt gearing for major anti-Naxal operation, mulling Army help
Govt gearing for major anti-Naxal operation, mulling Army help
Posted: Thursday , Aug 06, 2009 at 1948 hrs
New Delhi:
Gearing up for a major offensive against Naxals, the government is contemplating to involve the Army to deal with the Left wing extremism. Home Ministry sources said the Centre was preparing a major offensive against the Maoists, who have been involved in large scale violence including kidnapping and killing people, extorting traders and destroying infrastructure in recent past.
"The operation will be based on precise intelligence. We will have to discuss in details with the states. We will also have to see whether Army help could be taken," a senior official said.
Deployment of Army to deal with Naxals will not be a problem for the Home Ministry as the armed forces have been involved in counter-insurgency operations in Kashmir and the Northeast for a long time. Though no final decision has been taken yet on the scale and strategy of the operation, the Home Ministry will certainly take air support in terms of reece, evacuation of injured and quick deployment of forces in specific areas.
Help of modern technology, gadgets and vehicle will be taken adequately and the government has started procuring mine protected vehicle, mine detection equipments and maps of Naxal operated areas. "Next couple of months will be fully dedicated for preparedness and formulating the strategy. We have information about the areas of their presence. But, we need more specific inputs," the official said.
Posted: Thursday , Aug 06, 2009 at 1948 hrs
New Delhi:
Gearing up for a major offensive against Naxals, the government is contemplating to involve the Army to deal with the Left wing extremism. Home Ministry sources said the Centre was preparing a major offensive against the Maoists, who have been involved in large scale violence including kidnapping and killing people, extorting traders and destroying infrastructure in recent past.
"The operation will be based on precise intelligence. We will have to discuss in details with the states. We will also have to see whether Army help could be taken," a senior official said.
Deployment of Army to deal with Naxals will not be a problem for the Home Ministry as the armed forces have been involved in counter-insurgency operations in Kashmir and the Northeast for a long time. Though no final decision has been taken yet on the scale and strategy of the operation, the Home Ministry will certainly take air support in terms of reece, evacuation of injured and quick deployment of forces in specific areas.
Help of modern technology, gadgets and vehicle will be taken adequately and the government has started procuring mine protected vehicle, mine detection equipments and maps of Naxal operated areas. "Next couple of months will be fully dedicated for preparedness and formulating the strategy. We have information about the areas of their presence. But, we need more specific inputs," the official said.
Kidnapped TN children forced to work in naxal-infested areas, says official
Special Correspondent
CHENNAI: Children are being kidnapped from Tamil Nadu and forced to work in naxal-infested areas, particularly Andhra Pradesh, Additional Commissioner of Police (Headquarters) M. Ravi said on Thursday.
He was speaking at a capacity building programme for police personnel on Child Protection and Childline Services jointly organized by the Department of Social Defense and World Vision India here.
Child trafficking is a matter of serious concern. We have information that children are being kidnapped and taken to naxalite areas for work. The role of NGOs is very vital in identifying vulnerable areas. A coordinated effort is required to eradicate child abuse in all its forms, Mr. Ravi said.
He said in many instances of sexual abuse involving children, the accused persons were known to the victims. Neighbours, relatives and school employees are often the culprits in such cases. Parents should be sensitised to the risk factors.
The Indian Council for Child Welfare Secretary Chandra Thanickachalam said child trafficking was prevalent in Tamil Nadu and Chennai was usually the transit point. When a joint operation was held a couple of years ago in Chennai where all incoming buses and trains were checked, 48 children belonging to the southern districts were rescued.
They were brought by agents for employment in Gujarat and some other northern States. The children were restored to their parents and legal action was taken against the agents who had bought them for work. At least 50 per cent of the children were aged below 14 years, she said.
Ms. Thanickachalam said Tamil Nadu was a source of supply (of women) to brothels in Mumbai. Participation of police was imperative when it came to rescuing children in brothels, industries, clandestine establishments and residential areas where they were forced to work.
In about 2,380 calls received by the Childline in the last 10 years in Chennai, children found to be victims of different kinds of abuse were rescued. Even when police are present during such rescue operations, they are insisting that the Childline should lodge a complaint. Our appeal to the police is that they should become complainants in such cases, she said.
Joint Commissioner of Police (Central) V.A. Ravikumar also spoke. At least 100 police personnel, including women, took part in the programme. They would be designated as Child Welfare Officers, police sources added.
CHENNAI: Children are being kidnapped from Tamil Nadu and forced to work in naxal-infested areas, particularly Andhra Pradesh, Additional Commissioner of Police (Headquarters) M. Ravi said on Thursday.
He was speaking at a capacity building programme for police personnel on Child Protection and Childline Services jointly organized by the Department of Social Defense and World Vision India here.
Child trafficking is a matter of serious concern. We have information that children are being kidnapped and taken to naxalite areas for work. The role of NGOs is very vital in identifying vulnerable areas. A coordinated effort is required to eradicate child abuse in all its forms, Mr. Ravi said.
He said in many instances of sexual abuse involving children, the accused persons were known to the victims. Neighbours, relatives and school employees are often the culprits in such cases. Parents should be sensitised to the risk factors.
The Indian Council for Child Welfare Secretary Chandra Thanickachalam said child trafficking was prevalent in Tamil Nadu and Chennai was usually the transit point. When a joint operation was held a couple of years ago in Chennai where all incoming buses and trains were checked, 48 children belonging to the southern districts were rescued.
They were brought by agents for employment in Gujarat and some other northern States. The children were restored to their parents and legal action was taken against the agents who had bought them for work. At least 50 per cent of the children were aged below 14 years, she said.
Ms. Thanickachalam said Tamil Nadu was a source of supply (of women) to brothels in Mumbai. Participation of police was imperative when it came to rescuing children in brothels, industries, clandestine establishments and residential areas where they were forced to work.
In about 2,380 calls received by the Childline in the last 10 years in Chennai, children found to be victims of different kinds of abuse were rescued. Even when police are present during such rescue operations, they are insisting that the Childline should lodge a complaint. Our appeal to the police is that they should become complainants in such cases, she said.
Joint Commissioner of Police (Central) V.A. Ravikumar also spoke. At least 100 police personnel, including women, took part in the programme. They would be designated as Child Welfare Officers, police sources added.
He left tranquil backwaters for naxal-infested forests
By: Anshuman G Dutta Date: 2009-08-06 Place: Delhi
http://www.mid-day.com/imagedata/2009/aug/babu.jpg
A native of God's own country, Constable S Babu joined CRPF and fought naxals and militants across the country
What could have led a man to leave soothing backwaters in his native Alleppy district in Kerala and go to some dense naxal-infested forest in Jharkhand risking his life?
"It was the urge to serve my country," said Constable S Babu of the Central Reserve Police Force.
A soft-spoken Babu has seen the worst face of naxal terror across ten states. From Warangal in Andhra Pradesh, Tripura in the northeast and Jammu and Kashmir, Babu has managed to survive one of the worst violence perpetrated by the red army.
"In Kerala life is very peaceful. No one from my family ever joined the armed forces. But since childhood I wanted to serve my country and joined Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) when I was only 23 years old," Babu told MiD DAY.
War for peace: Constable S Babu pic/mid-day
Babu, who is known for keeping his cool under difficult circumstances, soon found himself in the militancy-hit Tripura. "Life changed instantly. The peace and tranquility of my village backwaters were gone and I started waking up to blasts," he said.
The real rude shock came for Babu when he was posted in Warangal district of Andhra Pradesh in 2004.
"We got information about a few naxals hiding in a remote village. We had very little information and the operation had to be carried out before the daybreak. We marched entire night in the dense forest and reached the village periphery," he recalled.
The local police joined Babu's CRPF unit, acting as guides and helping in post operation search of the village.
Soon, they came to know that the rebels were heavily armed and hiding inside the village. The CRPF team realised they have to finish the operation before the village wakes up and Babu was part of the few people who were asked to go in for the first round of assault.
But as soon as the team reached the hideout, the naxals started firing heavily.
"We took our positions and there were several narrow lanes outside the adjoining houses. I along with few others managed to crawl towards the militants and took guard outside the walls of the house," Babu said.
Naxals were firing indiscriminately and the gunshots soon woke up the entire village. Babu returned the fire with his Self Loading Rifle (SLR) and managed to silence the naxal fire. The brief second for which the naxals took to reload their arms, Babu charged in and shot down two naxals. He had no idea about the number of militants hiding in the house yet he risked his life to clear the hideout. "There were total four militants inside the house and with two of their men down the other two ran away. I shot one of them but he managed to escape," Babu said.
He was awarded Police Medal for Gallantry (PMG) for his bravery and skills. He has served in all kind of militancy-infested areas in Jammu & Kashmir (J&K), North East and southern states like Andhra Pradesh ever since.
Babu got married in 2006 and has a two-year-old daughter.
"It's not about killing militants by risking your life. The more important thing is that we should wake up to the challenges, which are plaguing the development of the country. I am happy I have contributed with my honest efforts. But the best is yet to come," he said.
Red death
1996: 156 deaths
1997: 428 deaths
1998: 270 deaths
1999: 363 deaths
2000: 50 deaths
2001: 100+ deaths
2002: 140 deaths
2003: 451 deaths
2004: 500+ deaths
2005: 892 deaths
2006: 749 deaths
2007: 384 deaths
2008: 938 casualties including (38 Maoists)
2009: Naxalites separatists struck at the first phase of elections on 16 April, 2009 in Bihar, Chattisgarh and Jharkhand killing 18 civilians and security forces. Later, on 23 April, 2009, they also struck in the second phase of polling in Jamshedpur and surrounding areas in Jharkhand injuring several member of the polling party. May 2009: 16 police die in suspected Maoist attack
(Source: Union Ministry for Home Affairs)
http://www.mid-day.com/imagedata/2009/aug/babu.jpg
A native of God's own country, Constable S Babu joined CRPF and fought naxals and militants across the country
What could have led a man to leave soothing backwaters in his native Alleppy district in Kerala and go to some dense naxal-infested forest in Jharkhand risking his life?
"It was the urge to serve my country," said Constable S Babu of the Central Reserve Police Force.
A soft-spoken Babu has seen the worst face of naxal terror across ten states. From Warangal in Andhra Pradesh, Tripura in the northeast and Jammu and Kashmir, Babu has managed to survive one of the worst violence perpetrated by the red army.
"In Kerala life is very peaceful. No one from my family ever joined the armed forces. But since childhood I wanted to serve my country and joined Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) when I was only 23 years old," Babu told MiD DAY.
War for peace: Constable S Babu pic/mid-day
Babu, who is known for keeping his cool under difficult circumstances, soon found himself in the militancy-hit Tripura. "Life changed instantly. The peace and tranquility of my village backwaters were gone and I started waking up to blasts," he said.
The real rude shock came for Babu when he was posted in Warangal district of Andhra Pradesh in 2004.
"We got information about a few naxals hiding in a remote village. We had very little information and the operation had to be carried out before the daybreak. We marched entire night in the dense forest and reached the village periphery," he recalled.
The local police joined Babu's CRPF unit, acting as guides and helping in post operation search of the village.
Soon, they came to know that the rebels were heavily armed and hiding inside the village. The CRPF team realised they have to finish the operation before the village wakes up and Babu was part of the few people who were asked to go in for the first round of assault.
But as soon as the team reached the hideout, the naxals started firing heavily.
"We took our positions and there were several narrow lanes outside the adjoining houses. I along with few others managed to crawl towards the militants and took guard outside the walls of the house," Babu said.
Naxals were firing indiscriminately and the gunshots soon woke up the entire village. Babu returned the fire with his Self Loading Rifle (SLR) and managed to silence the naxal fire. The brief second for which the naxals took to reload their arms, Babu charged in and shot down two naxals. He had no idea about the number of militants hiding in the house yet he risked his life to clear the hideout. "There were total four militants inside the house and with two of their men down the other two ran away. I shot one of them but he managed to escape," Babu said.
He was awarded Police Medal for Gallantry (PMG) for his bravery and skills. He has served in all kind of militancy-infested areas in Jammu & Kashmir (J&K), North East and southern states like Andhra Pradesh ever since.
Babu got married in 2006 and has a two-year-old daughter.
"It's not about killing militants by risking your life. The more important thing is that we should wake up to the challenges, which are plaguing the development of the country. I am happy I have contributed with my honest efforts. But the best is yet to come," he said.
Red death
1996: 156 deaths
1997: 428 deaths
1998: 270 deaths
1999: 363 deaths
2000: 50 deaths
2001: 100+ deaths
2002: 140 deaths
2003: 451 deaths
2004: 500+ deaths
2005: 892 deaths
2006: 749 deaths
2007: 384 deaths
2008: 938 casualties including (38 Maoists)
2009: Naxalites separatists struck at the first phase of elections on 16 April, 2009 in Bihar, Chattisgarh and Jharkhand killing 18 civilians and security forces. Later, on 23 April, 2009, they also struck in the second phase of polling in Jamshedpur and surrounding areas in Jharkhand injuring several member of the polling party. May 2009: 16 police die in suspected Maoist attack
(Source: Union Ministry for Home Affairs)
PM to chair meeting of CMs on internal security on August 17
New Delhi, Aug 6 (PTI) Naxal violence, activities of Pakistan-based terror outfits and situation in Jammu and Kashmir as well as the Northeast will dominate the day-long conference of all Chief Ministers convened here on August 17.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who will chair the meeting, is expected to hold threadbare discussions with the Chief Ministers on the country's security situation and measures to be adopted to maintain law and order.
A separate meeting of Chief Ministers of seven Naxal affected states will also be held later in the day to specifically discuss the situation arising out of Maoists violence.
The conference will review the information collection system -- both technical and human intelligence -- its proper sharing and necessary action, modernisation of police forces, procurement of arms and ammunitions, filling up of vacancies besides providing training to security forces.
"Naxal menace is primarily indigenous and home grown.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who will chair the meeting, is expected to hold threadbare discussions with the Chief Ministers on the country's security situation and measures to be adopted to maintain law and order.
A separate meeting of Chief Ministers of seven Naxal affected states will also be held later in the day to specifically discuss the situation arising out of Maoists violence.
The conference will review the information collection system -- both technical and human intelligence -- its proper sharing and necessary action, modernisation of police forces, procurement of arms and ammunitions, filling up of vacancies besides providing training to security forces.
"Naxal menace is primarily indigenous and home grown.
Induction of modern technology to boost anti-naxal operations
New Delhi, Thu, 06 Aug 2009 ANI
New Delhi, Aug.6 (ANI): The Ministry of Home Affairs is planning to equip the security forces involved in anti-naxal operations with modern technology which would enable them effectively combat the Naxalites.
Modern technology will help the security forces check infiltration along the line of control, and foil attempts by terrorists to stage attacks in metropolitan.
An assessment is being made of the threat perceptions. The Home Minister, P. Chidambaram, is expected to convene a meeting of Chief Ministers later this month.
According to senior officials, modern technology is going to be used in a big way to combat incidents of infiltration and terror-related incidents. By Ajay (ANI)
New Delhi, Aug.6 (ANI): The Ministry of Home Affairs is planning to equip the security forces involved in anti-naxal operations with modern technology which would enable them effectively combat the Naxalites.
Modern technology will help the security forces check infiltration along the line of control, and foil attempts by terrorists to stage attacks in metropolitan.
An assessment is being made of the threat perceptions. The Home Minister, P. Chidambaram, is expected to convene a meeting of Chief Ministers later this month.
According to senior officials, modern technology is going to be used in a big way to combat incidents of infiltration and terror-related incidents. By Ajay (ANI)
Tuesday, August 04, 2009
Killings: Maoists claim responsibility
;Statesman News Service
KOLKATA, 3 AUG.: Even as the Communist Party of India (Maoist) today claimed responsibility of the twin murder of CPI-M leaders in Junglemahal yesterday, Maoists shot dead another Gana Protirodh Committee member in Nishintapur, Belpahari this morning.
The outfit said the CPI-M leaders ~ Nirmal Mahato (56), the Amdanga branch committee secretary of the CPI-M in Lalgarh and Kalipada Singh (35), a resident of Chirugoda in Belpahari ~ were given death penalty for helping the “joint forces” carry out operation in Lalgarh. The militant outfit has issued a warning that anyone passing on information to the joint forces will be meted out the punishment.
Both Mahato and Singh were called out from their homes by a group of Maoists last night and taken to the nearby forest where they were shot dead. In what is seen as an attempt to stop CPI-M leaders and their followers from passing on information about Maoist hideouts to police, the banned outfit also threatened that those who would “dare” to help joint force will meet the same fate.
Members of the People Liberation Guerilla Army (PLGA) ~ the militant wing of the CPI (Maoist) ~ have given “proper punishment” to Singh for daring to help the joint force, a leader of the outfit said. Singh was a member of the CPI-M controlled Gana Pratirodh Committee (GPC) which was set up to oppose the movement being spearheaded by the people belonging to the tribal community under the banner of the Police Santras Birodhi Public Committee (PSBPC), he claimed.
Mahato had survived an attack last year. This time gano ray (people's verdict) had gone against Mahato for supporting the joint force, the Maoist leader said and added that the PLGA members have “implemented” the verdict by killing him.
KOLKATA, 3 AUG.: Even as the Communist Party of India (Maoist) today claimed responsibility of the twin murder of CPI-M leaders in Junglemahal yesterday, Maoists shot dead another Gana Protirodh Committee member in Nishintapur, Belpahari this morning.
The outfit said the CPI-M leaders ~ Nirmal Mahato (56), the Amdanga branch committee secretary of the CPI-M in Lalgarh and Kalipada Singh (35), a resident of Chirugoda in Belpahari ~ were given death penalty for helping the “joint forces” carry out operation in Lalgarh. The militant outfit has issued a warning that anyone passing on information to the joint forces will be meted out the punishment.
Both Mahato and Singh were called out from their homes by a group of Maoists last night and taken to the nearby forest where they were shot dead. In what is seen as an attempt to stop CPI-M leaders and their followers from passing on information about Maoist hideouts to police, the banned outfit also threatened that those who would “dare” to help joint force will meet the same fate.
Members of the People Liberation Guerilla Army (PLGA) ~ the militant wing of the CPI (Maoist) ~ have given “proper punishment” to Singh for daring to help the joint force, a leader of the outfit said. Singh was a member of the CPI-M controlled Gana Pratirodh Committee (GPC) which was set up to oppose the movement being spearheaded by the people belonging to the tribal community under the banner of the Police Santras Birodhi Public Committee (PSBPC), he claimed.
Mahato had survived an attack last year. This time gano ray (people's verdict) had gone against Mahato for supporting the joint force, the Maoist leader said and added that the PLGA members have “implemented” the verdict by killing him.
Maoists shoot villager dead in Orissa
Bhubaneswar, Aug 4 (IANS) Maoist rebels Tuesday shot dead a villager in Orissa’s Rayagada district, police said.
A group of four-five rebels killed Gopi Lama at Gurukuda village, some 120 km from Rayagada, the district headquarters, and some 500 km from the state capital.
“The villagers have informed us about the incident. The details are awaited,” district police chief Ashish Kumar Singh told IANS.
Maoists are active in more than half of state’s 30 districts.
A group of four-five rebels killed Gopi Lama at Gurukuda village, some 120 km from Rayagada, the district headquarters, and some 500 km from the state capital.
“The villagers have informed us about the incident. The details are awaited,” district police chief Ashish Kumar Singh told IANS.
Maoists are active in more than half of state’s 30 districts.
Maoists kill JMM central committe leader in Jharkhand
TNN 4 August 2009, 10:43pm IST
RANCHI: Maoist militants gunned down a senior central committee leader of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) and wounded one of his associates at
Patamda off Jamshedpur in East Singhbhum district on Tuesday.
Doren Singh Munda (48) was a close aide of former state land revenue minister Dulal Bhuiyan and had an active role in the movement for creation of Jharkhand as a separate state in 2000.
Police said four motorcycle-borne militants raided Patamda village around 8.30 am, saw Munda and his assistant sitting outside the leader's house and started firing indiscriminately from their automatic weapons. Munda died on the spot.
"After killing him, the Red rebels fled the village. They took a road towards West Bengal. By the time the cops and CRPF personnel reached the spot, they must have entered Bengal. It's hardly a half-an-hour journey to the neighbouring state," a police official said.
Munda's body has been sent for post-mortem examination to the Jamshedpur-based MGM Medical College Hospital. His wounded associate has been taken to the steel city for treatment. CRPF sources said a massive manhunt has been launched to arrest the assailants.
JMM threatened to launch a massive agitation seeking the culprits' arrest. Bhuiyan said Munda's murder was a "plot" to deal a blow to the JMM ahead of the Assembly elections. He added, "Our party is not going to remain silent. We want the killers arrested at the earliest."
RANCHI: Maoist militants gunned down a senior central committee leader of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) and wounded one of his associates at
Patamda off Jamshedpur in East Singhbhum district on Tuesday.
Doren Singh Munda (48) was a close aide of former state land revenue minister Dulal Bhuiyan and had an active role in the movement for creation of Jharkhand as a separate state in 2000.
Police said four motorcycle-borne militants raided Patamda village around 8.30 am, saw Munda and his assistant sitting outside the leader's house and started firing indiscriminately from their automatic weapons. Munda died on the spot.
"After killing him, the Red rebels fled the village. They took a road towards West Bengal. By the time the cops and CRPF personnel reached the spot, they must have entered Bengal. It's hardly a half-an-hour journey to the neighbouring state," a police official said.
Munda's body has been sent for post-mortem examination to the Jamshedpur-based MGM Medical College Hospital. His wounded associate has been taken to the steel city for treatment. CRPF sources said a massive manhunt has been launched to arrest the assailants.
JMM threatened to launch a massive agitation seeking the culprits' arrest. Bhuiyan said Munda's murder was a "plot" to deal a blow to the JMM ahead of the Assembly elections. He added, "Our party is not going to remain silent. We want the killers arrested at the earliest."
CRPF boss in red den
SHASHANK SHEKHAR
Bokaro, Aug. 1: Following directions from the Union home ministry, CRPF special director-general Vijay Raman made a recce to Jhumra Pahar, earlier known as Naxalite training ground, on a helicopter this morning.
Landing at the Jhumra Pahar hilltop near a CRPF camp set up five years ago, Raman held meetings with senior police officers and security personnel on Maoist activities in the zone.
Sources said that Raman directed the officers there to be on more alert and chalk out new strategies to counter the Maoists.
After coming to know about the recent attacks originating from Parasnath hills, Raman asked accompanying officers to give him an aerial view of the entire Parasnath and Madhuban hills, which link Bihar’s Jamui and Munger districts that have witnessed a series of attacks in the past six months.
Inspector-general (north Chhotanagpur) Kishan Singh Meena, deputy inspector-general (coal belt) Prashant Singh, CRPF deputy inspector-general (Ranchi) Alok Raj, Bokaro superintendent of police Laxman Singh and CRPF 26th battalion commandant V.S. Sharma accompanied Raman.
Laxman Singh later said that Raman discussed strategies on how to counter the Maoists, especially in case of sudden attacks.
Raman also gave a few vital tips to the security personnel after being “satisfied with the security” of Jhumra Pahar.
Bokaro, Aug. 1: Following directions from the Union home ministry, CRPF special director-general Vijay Raman made a recce to Jhumra Pahar, earlier known as Naxalite training ground, on a helicopter this morning.
Landing at the Jhumra Pahar hilltop near a CRPF camp set up five years ago, Raman held meetings with senior police officers and security personnel on Maoist activities in the zone.
Sources said that Raman directed the officers there to be on more alert and chalk out new strategies to counter the Maoists.
After coming to know about the recent attacks originating from Parasnath hills, Raman asked accompanying officers to give him an aerial view of the entire Parasnath and Madhuban hills, which link Bihar’s Jamui and Munger districts that have witnessed a series of attacks in the past six months.
Inspector-general (north Chhotanagpur) Kishan Singh Meena, deputy inspector-general (coal belt) Prashant Singh, CRPF deputy inspector-general (Ranchi) Alok Raj, Bokaro superintendent of police Laxman Singh and CRPF 26th battalion commandant V.S. Sharma accompanied Raman.
Laxman Singh later said that Raman discussed strategies on how to counter the Maoists, especially in case of sudden attacks.
Raman also gave a few vital tips to the security personnel after being “satisfied with the security” of Jhumra Pahar.
Coping with asymmetric violence
K.S. Jacob
Asymmetric conflicts demand a different understanding, alternative approaches and solutions.
Naxalite violence constitutes an asymmetric war that demands unconventional wisdom and responses. Employing traditional perspectives and using the armed forces is not the solution.
The realisation is dawning on the world’s most powerful armies that compared to conventional warfare, fighting insurgencies is a different cup of tea. The United States and its allies have not only burnt their fingers in Iraq and Afghanistan, but realised the limits of their power. Israel, despite its repeated failure to subjugate the Palestinian people, refuses to learn that military approaches will not break the struggle for freedom and justice and bring about peace.
Purely military strategies fail in the very different context and framework of such “asymmetric wars” between security forces and insurgents. This is also true of the naxalite violence engulfing some of the poorest parts of India. The asymmetries with regard to resources between the opposing sides, the government with its massive reserves and well-trained armed forces and the small and ill-equipped but ideologically driven insurgents, could not be starker. Asymmetric conflicts demand a different understanding, alternative approaches and solutions.
The changing scenario of armed conflicts: The days of conventional wars, between states and involving large armies, are numbered. Armed conflicts, more often, involve non-state actors. Insurgencies have replaced industrial-scale operations. The insurgents are embedded within populations and the war is fought amongst people. Technology, a force-multiplier in conventional wars, is of limited use in asymmetric warfare fought in densely inhabited theatres of conflict. Non-state actors with high mobility, using low-tech weapons and employing guerrilla tactics and who are unrecognisable from the local people are no match for traditional armies. Sophisticated military strategies developed for industrial warfare are hopelessly inadequate in tackling such asymmetric wars.
The context of asymmetric violence: The contexts of asymmetric wars are varied. Nevertheless, the common threads include occupation by foreign forces, chronic poverty, persistent alienation and the social exclusion of a significant proportion of the population.
Naxalite violence has taken root in the poorest regions of the country. The grinding poverty, the rising inequalities and the failure of successive governments to improve the lives of ordinary people have led to disenchantment with the democratic process. The lack of basic needs of water, sanitation, nutrition, housing, health, education, employment guarantees, and the social exclusion of the majority of the people, are major concerns. Corruption at different levels of government, the insensitivity of the political class, common instances of high-handedness and harassment that many poor people face at the hands of the police, and religious and caste bigotry set the stage. The situation is loaded with asymmetries, forms of structural violence that have become normal across the region. The disillusioned decide to move out of the establishment framework and take up arms as the only means to break down the insensitive system, which has not delivered an egalitarian society.
The conventional response: Armed attacks, hostage-taking, killing, suicide bombing, the destruction of infrastructure and the choice of soft civilian targets cause outrage. The round-the-clock media coverage brings the violence into homes, provoking indignation and producing demands for retaliation. The response involves security operations, political bans on suspected organisations and tougher legislation restricting human rights. However, the enemy has by then melted away and is practically indistinguishable from the local population. The task of the security forces can be compared to finding a needle in a haystack. Innocent civilians get caught up in such operations. The security response is usually disproportionate. Human rights are frequently violated, leading to further alienation of people. The might of the security forces has little impact on a few hundred insurgents. Conventional forces, accustomed to operating within the framework of traditional wars, are out of their depth battling unconventional opponents in such asymmetric conflicts.
Strategies of the underdogs: Underdogs acknowledge their weaknesses and adopt unconventional approaches. The only chance for a David to win against a Goliath is by not playing by the latter’s rules. T.E. Lawrence’s (Lawrence of Arabia) strategy against the Ottoman Army was a typical example. He did not train in a military academy and did not know the rules of war, but commanded a ragtag group of Bedouin tribesmen whose assets were courage, endurance and individual intelligence. Underdogs usually beat traditional champions by substituting effort for ability.
Insurgents do not adopt a military strategy. In fact, if they did so they would lose, as they are no match for the security forces. They attack where the opposition is weak and not where they are strong. There are many examples in military history where successful insurgencies turned to conventional warfare and lost the impressive gains made with the earlier strategy (for example, the LTTE in Sri Lanka).
Naxalites are outsiders. They challenge conventions of how battles are fought and will do socially horrifying things to achieve their aims. They attack and destroy symbols of government authority. Their energy and ambition overcome their limited ability for conventional warfare.
The foundation for victory: Winning asymmetric wars fought amongst people requires the support of the local population. The oxygen for both sides, the insurgents and the government, is the open or tacit support of the people. Those who win the “hearts and minds” will eventually be the victors in such conflicts. With the support of the people, the victors will ultimately attain their political goals and overcome the opposition. Garnering such support is always the key to success.
Acts of the government, such as the takeover of people’s lands for development without rehabilitation of livelihoods and the displacement of tribal people forcing them to live in camps, do not suggest that the administrations are serious about gaining public support. The war through the Salwa Judum, extra-judicial killings by the police and the use of draconian laws (for example, the Chhattisgarh Special Public Security Act 2006) fuel resentment. The abject poverty in the region and the insensitivity of governments are not circumstances that win people’s cooperation. Surely, this is no way to win hearts and minds. The status quo would mean prolonged insurgency.
The need for unconventional wisdom: The use of the security forces as a solution to the problem has not worked against the naxalites. Areas of insurgency have only increased over the past decade. The state and its security advisers need to come up with innovative ideas and move away from strategies, which seem to be firmly rooted in the past. Issues related to distributive justice and dialogue, for example, will eventually lead to lasting and permanent peace. The government should examine issues related to basic needs and social justice. If the hearts and minds of the people are won, if lives and means of livelihood are improved, then local support and sympathy for insurgents will automatically come down. Enlightened approaches should replace weak and chaotic strategic planning based on old military doctrines. Eventually we will have to negotiate our way out with just and political solutions.
Barriers to new approaches: Many military commanders now agree that military solutions are not the answer to conflicts in today’s world. Yet their political masters rarely concur, as it is easier to implement military responses than execute the necessary structural reforms within government and politics. Security solutions mistake activity for strategy and make war for an elusive peace.
The recent Maoist violence in West Bengal also suggests that opportunistic political alliances for partisan gains are obstacles to long-term solutions. Ideological arguments against negotiating with terrorists are used to stall dialogue. It is also rumoured that naxalite violence will not go away as the local police and politicians stand to gain from the unmarked government funds to recruit informers and gather intelligence. Extra-judicial killing by the police of “suspected terrorists” and collateral damage due to security operations alienate the local people while keeping the funds flowing.
In the era of “dumbing down” of news and analysis and of “sound bites,” we need a more comprehensive debate on the real causes of insurgency and on structural violence and their solutions. Military and security options are quick fixes, which always place lasting solutions on the back-burner.
(Professor K.S. Jacob is on the faculty of the Christian Medical College, Vellore, Tamil Nadu.)
Source: The Hindu
Asymmetric conflicts demand a different understanding, alternative approaches and solutions.
Naxalite violence constitutes an asymmetric war that demands unconventional wisdom and responses. Employing traditional perspectives and using the armed forces is not the solution.
The realisation is dawning on the world’s most powerful armies that compared to conventional warfare, fighting insurgencies is a different cup of tea. The United States and its allies have not only burnt their fingers in Iraq and Afghanistan, but realised the limits of their power. Israel, despite its repeated failure to subjugate the Palestinian people, refuses to learn that military approaches will not break the struggle for freedom and justice and bring about peace.
Purely military strategies fail in the very different context and framework of such “asymmetric wars” between security forces and insurgents. This is also true of the naxalite violence engulfing some of the poorest parts of India. The asymmetries with regard to resources between the opposing sides, the government with its massive reserves and well-trained armed forces and the small and ill-equipped but ideologically driven insurgents, could not be starker. Asymmetric conflicts demand a different understanding, alternative approaches and solutions.
The changing scenario of armed conflicts: The days of conventional wars, between states and involving large armies, are numbered. Armed conflicts, more often, involve non-state actors. Insurgencies have replaced industrial-scale operations. The insurgents are embedded within populations and the war is fought amongst people. Technology, a force-multiplier in conventional wars, is of limited use in asymmetric warfare fought in densely inhabited theatres of conflict. Non-state actors with high mobility, using low-tech weapons and employing guerrilla tactics and who are unrecognisable from the local people are no match for traditional armies. Sophisticated military strategies developed for industrial warfare are hopelessly inadequate in tackling such asymmetric wars.
The context of asymmetric violence: The contexts of asymmetric wars are varied. Nevertheless, the common threads include occupation by foreign forces, chronic poverty, persistent alienation and the social exclusion of a significant proportion of the population.
Naxalite violence has taken root in the poorest regions of the country. The grinding poverty, the rising inequalities and the failure of successive governments to improve the lives of ordinary people have led to disenchantment with the democratic process. The lack of basic needs of water, sanitation, nutrition, housing, health, education, employment guarantees, and the social exclusion of the majority of the people, are major concerns. Corruption at different levels of government, the insensitivity of the political class, common instances of high-handedness and harassment that many poor people face at the hands of the police, and religious and caste bigotry set the stage. The situation is loaded with asymmetries, forms of structural violence that have become normal across the region. The disillusioned decide to move out of the establishment framework and take up arms as the only means to break down the insensitive system, which has not delivered an egalitarian society.
The conventional response: Armed attacks, hostage-taking, killing, suicide bombing, the destruction of infrastructure and the choice of soft civilian targets cause outrage. The round-the-clock media coverage brings the violence into homes, provoking indignation and producing demands for retaliation. The response involves security operations, political bans on suspected organisations and tougher legislation restricting human rights. However, the enemy has by then melted away and is practically indistinguishable from the local population. The task of the security forces can be compared to finding a needle in a haystack. Innocent civilians get caught up in such operations. The security response is usually disproportionate. Human rights are frequently violated, leading to further alienation of people. The might of the security forces has little impact on a few hundred insurgents. Conventional forces, accustomed to operating within the framework of traditional wars, are out of their depth battling unconventional opponents in such asymmetric conflicts.
Strategies of the underdogs: Underdogs acknowledge their weaknesses and adopt unconventional approaches. The only chance for a David to win against a Goliath is by not playing by the latter’s rules. T.E. Lawrence’s (Lawrence of Arabia) strategy against the Ottoman Army was a typical example. He did not train in a military academy and did not know the rules of war, but commanded a ragtag group of Bedouin tribesmen whose assets were courage, endurance and individual intelligence. Underdogs usually beat traditional champions by substituting effort for ability.
Insurgents do not adopt a military strategy. In fact, if they did so they would lose, as they are no match for the security forces. They attack where the opposition is weak and not where they are strong. There are many examples in military history where successful insurgencies turned to conventional warfare and lost the impressive gains made with the earlier strategy (for example, the LTTE in Sri Lanka).
Naxalites are outsiders. They challenge conventions of how battles are fought and will do socially horrifying things to achieve their aims. They attack and destroy symbols of government authority. Their energy and ambition overcome their limited ability for conventional warfare.
The foundation for victory: Winning asymmetric wars fought amongst people requires the support of the local population. The oxygen for both sides, the insurgents and the government, is the open or tacit support of the people. Those who win the “hearts and minds” will eventually be the victors in such conflicts. With the support of the people, the victors will ultimately attain their political goals and overcome the opposition. Garnering such support is always the key to success.
Acts of the government, such as the takeover of people’s lands for development without rehabilitation of livelihoods and the displacement of tribal people forcing them to live in camps, do not suggest that the administrations are serious about gaining public support. The war through the Salwa Judum, extra-judicial killings by the police and the use of draconian laws (for example, the Chhattisgarh Special Public Security Act 2006) fuel resentment. The abject poverty in the region and the insensitivity of governments are not circumstances that win people’s cooperation. Surely, this is no way to win hearts and minds. The status quo would mean prolonged insurgency.
The need for unconventional wisdom: The use of the security forces as a solution to the problem has not worked against the naxalites. Areas of insurgency have only increased over the past decade. The state and its security advisers need to come up with innovative ideas and move away from strategies, which seem to be firmly rooted in the past. Issues related to distributive justice and dialogue, for example, will eventually lead to lasting and permanent peace. The government should examine issues related to basic needs and social justice. If the hearts and minds of the people are won, if lives and means of livelihood are improved, then local support and sympathy for insurgents will automatically come down. Enlightened approaches should replace weak and chaotic strategic planning based on old military doctrines. Eventually we will have to negotiate our way out with just and political solutions.
Barriers to new approaches: Many military commanders now agree that military solutions are not the answer to conflicts in today’s world. Yet their political masters rarely concur, as it is easier to implement military responses than execute the necessary structural reforms within government and politics. Security solutions mistake activity for strategy and make war for an elusive peace.
The recent Maoist violence in West Bengal also suggests that opportunistic political alliances for partisan gains are obstacles to long-term solutions. Ideological arguments against negotiating with terrorists are used to stall dialogue. It is also rumoured that naxalite violence will not go away as the local police and politicians stand to gain from the unmarked government funds to recruit informers and gather intelligence. Extra-judicial killing by the police of “suspected terrorists” and collateral damage due to security operations alienate the local people while keeping the funds flowing.
In the era of “dumbing down” of news and analysis and of “sound bites,” we need a more comprehensive debate on the real causes of insurgency and on structural violence and their solutions. Military and security options are quick fixes, which always place lasting solutions on the back-burner.
(Professor K.S. Jacob is on the faculty of the Christian Medical College, Vellore, Tamil Nadu.)
Source: The Hindu
Naxals loot BJP youth leader in train
Prashant Dayal, TNN 2 August 2009, 12:07am IST
AHMEDABAD: BJP's Yuva Morcha's national president Amit Thakker was looted at gunpoint by 12 Naxals on the Barbil-Hawda Janshatabdi Express on
Saturday evening. The loot went on for nearly 40 minutes. The Naxals had targetted three AC coaches of the train. Thakker was travelling in one of the AC coaches.
Thakker had shot to fame after he led a mob at Gandhi Ashram to disrupt a peace meeting called by Narmada Bachao Andolan (NBA) activist Medha Patkar.
Thakker's train had just started from Jamshedpur at 6 pm and reached a forest stretch near Jhargam. It was yet to catch speed when a group of armed Naxals hopped onto the three AC coaches. They first approached Thakker and asked for his belongings and even snatched away his gold chain, mobile phone and his bag. When Thakker resisted, the Naxals hit him with their rifle butt. The other Naxals continued to loot other passengers in the coach.
Thakker told TOI from Jamshedpur, "The bandits had entered my coach first and went on a looting spree in the other AC coaches too. The Naxals escaped after pulling the chain. The police here did not turn up even after the incident. I was attacked but I have received minor injuries. I have lost my belongings though."
AHMEDABAD: BJP's Yuva Morcha's national president Amit Thakker was looted at gunpoint by 12 Naxals on the Barbil-Hawda Janshatabdi Express on
Saturday evening. The loot went on for nearly 40 minutes. The Naxals had targetted three AC coaches of the train. Thakker was travelling in one of the AC coaches.
Thakker had shot to fame after he led a mob at Gandhi Ashram to disrupt a peace meeting called by Narmada Bachao Andolan (NBA) activist Medha Patkar.
Thakker's train had just started from Jamshedpur at 6 pm and reached a forest stretch near Jhargam. It was yet to catch speed when a group of armed Naxals hopped onto the three AC coaches. They first approached Thakker and asked for his belongings and even snatched away his gold chain, mobile phone and his bag. When Thakker resisted, the Naxals hit him with their rifle butt. The other Naxals continued to loot other passengers in the coach.
Thakker told TOI from Jamshedpur, "The bandits had entered my coach first and went on a looting spree in the other AC coaches too. The Naxals escaped after pulling the chain. The police here did not turn up even after the incident. I was attacked but I have received minor injuries. I have lost my belongings though."
Powerful Naxals vs a helpless govt
On Monday, August 03, 2009
Security has become one of the major concerns of the Union and the State governments today. India now faces threats not only from outside but also from Naxalite groups. This has also been accepted by the PM Dr Manmohan Singh.
Naxalites basically fight for their rights but in a violent way. The Indian Armed forces are not that compatible with them. The inefficiency is not in the police forces but the corrupt government officials and the ministers who are more interested in the vote-bank politics but not in the problems of the masses. It is not just a social problem as claimed by the politicians but a socio-political issue which has to be handled on priority.
Government officials being biased towards the low socio-economic class people, they are not allowed to exercise their basic human rights as prescribed in the constitution.
Only when the distinction between the caste and class will reduce, the problems facing the country will diminish.
The only way to reduce this socio-political issue is to improve and change the mindset and the working of the people in the administration and to create awareness among the civilians about the inequality and injustice that is prevalent in our country.
Prachi Majumdar, Bhopal
Security has become one of the major concerns of the Union and the State governments today. India now faces threats not only from outside but also from Naxalite groups. This has also been accepted by the PM Dr Manmohan Singh.
Naxalites basically fight for their rights but in a violent way. The Indian Armed forces are not that compatible with them. The inefficiency is not in the police forces but the corrupt government officials and the ministers who are more interested in the vote-bank politics but not in the problems of the masses. It is not just a social problem as claimed by the politicians but a socio-political issue which has to be handled on priority.
Government officials being biased towards the low socio-economic class people, they are not allowed to exercise their basic human rights as prescribed in the constitution.
Only when the distinction between the caste and class will reduce, the problems facing the country will diminish.
The only way to reduce this socio-political issue is to improve and change the mindset and the working of the people in the administration and to create awareness among the civilians about the inequality and injustice that is prevalent in our country.
Prachi Majumdar, Bhopal
Top Maoist leader held
TNN 3 August 2009, 06:35am IST
RANCHI: In a major breakthrough, police arrested a Maoist commander of Bihar Regional Committee (BRC), Pradyuman Sharma alias Kundanji, while he was
travelling in a passenger train on Sunday.
Sharma, a hardcore Maoist operating in Gaya, Rohtas, Aurangabad districts of Bihar and Chatra, Latehar and Garhwa districts of Jharkhand, was earlier lodged in Gaya jail.
Sharma was travelling in Barkakana-Mughalsarai passenger train and had boarded the train at Dehri-on-Sone railway station on Sunday. Incidentally, it is the same train which was hijacked by the Maoists, with the support of villagers, in May.
The Latehar police had received information that Sharma had boarded the train which passes through Latehar district. The train was stopped just before Latehar railway station and each bogie of the train was searched by the CRPF and district police personnel.
Jharkhand police spokesperson and IG (provision) SN Pradhan said: "Sharma was likely to be promoted as Bihar-Jharkhand Special Area Committee (BJSAC) member soon. Apart from Bihar, he was operating in Chatra, Latehar and Garhwa districts in Jharkhand."
Sources said no arm was recovered from Sharma's possession. He is being interrogated at the CRPF camp. Sharma kept changing his identity during interrogation, but later succumbed to the police pressure and gave some important information about the outfit.
Police claimed Sharma is one of the biggest catches in recent times and the information given by him would help them in anti-Naxal operations.
RANCHI: In a major breakthrough, police arrested a Maoist commander of Bihar Regional Committee (BRC), Pradyuman Sharma alias Kundanji, while he was
travelling in a passenger train on Sunday.
Sharma, a hardcore Maoist operating in Gaya, Rohtas, Aurangabad districts of Bihar and Chatra, Latehar and Garhwa districts of Jharkhand, was earlier lodged in Gaya jail.
Sharma was travelling in Barkakana-Mughalsarai passenger train and had boarded the train at Dehri-on-Sone railway station on Sunday. Incidentally, it is the same train which was hijacked by the Maoists, with the support of villagers, in May.
The Latehar police had received information that Sharma had boarded the train which passes through Latehar district. The train was stopped just before Latehar railway station and each bogie of the train was searched by the CRPF and district police personnel.
Jharkhand police spokesperson and IG (provision) SN Pradhan said: "Sharma was likely to be promoted as Bihar-Jharkhand Special Area Committee (BJSAC) member soon. Apart from Bihar, he was operating in Chatra, Latehar and Garhwa districts in Jharkhand."
Sources said no arm was recovered from Sharma's possession. He is being interrogated at the CRPF camp. Sharma kept changing his identity during interrogation, but later succumbed to the police pressure and gave some important information about the outfit.
Police claimed Sharma is one of the biggest catches in recent times and the information given by him would help them in anti-Naxal operations.
Maoists ready with counter-strategies
Gyan Varma / DNATuesday, August 4, 2009 3:00 IST Email
New Delhi: The Maoists seem to have rightly calculated the possibility of the United Progressive Alliance government launching a major offensive along the red corridor, if their internal documents and actions are anything to go by. In fact, they have given paramilitary forces their bloodiest nose ever.
Documents recovered from the outlawed group in Chhattisgarh show a detailed strategy to counter the coming aggressive operations against them. According to the documents, the red brigade is recruiting more people and training them to widen the areas of operation to stop paramilitary forces from reaching their strongholds.
The documents, assessing the Lok Sabha elections and detailing the Maoists' plans, show that the underground group was expecting the centre to harden its stand after the polls.
They show that the Maoists plan to build a countrywide mass movement. Along with the movement, the Maoists plan to enhance the involvement of cadres in fighting paramilitary forces.
"To counter the advance of security forces, we have to expand our guerilla war to newer areas on one hand, and intensify mass resistance in existing areas," say the documents.
The Maoist literature also states that what is needed is meticulous planning against security personnel, special police officers and police informants, action against betrayers and arrested persons, and not maintaining party records. The documents say that there is not only a need to raise people's issues, but also to arm and mobilise people into mass militant movements.
New Delhi: The Maoists seem to have rightly calculated the possibility of the United Progressive Alliance government launching a major offensive along the red corridor, if their internal documents and actions are anything to go by. In fact, they have given paramilitary forces their bloodiest nose ever.
Documents recovered from the outlawed group in Chhattisgarh show a detailed strategy to counter the coming aggressive operations against them. According to the documents, the red brigade is recruiting more people and training them to widen the areas of operation to stop paramilitary forces from reaching their strongholds.
The documents, assessing the Lok Sabha elections and detailing the Maoists' plans, show that the underground group was expecting the centre to harden its stand after the polls.
They show that the Maoists plan to build a countrywide mass movement. Along with the movement, the Maoists plan to enhance the involvement of cadres in fighting paramilitary forces.
"To counter the advance of security forces, we have to expand our guerilla war to newer areas on one hand, and intensify mass resistance in existing areas," say the documents.
The Maoist literature also states that what is needed is meticulous planning against security personnel, special police officers and police informants, action against betrayers and arrested persons, and not maintaining party records. The documents say that there is not only a need to raise people's issues, but also to arm and mobilise people into mass militant movements.
Police closing in on Gadchiroli rape accused
Mazhar Ali, TNN 4 August 2009, 03:07am IST
CHANDRAPUR: Investigations into the kidnapping and molestation of staffers at a tribal ashram school by youths posing as Naxalites on Wednesday
night have reached the conclusive stage. Cops looking into the incident at village Rangi in Dhanora tehsil of Gadchiroli have reportedly identified the three accused involved in the act and are poised to arrest them.
Three youths reached the government-run ashram school in Rangi village late on Wednesday and claimed to be Naxals. They gathered all the staffers outside the school and thrashed the male employees for not "cooperating" with the ongoing Naxal martyr's week. Meanwhile, the three youths took three women staffers, including the school superintendent and two assistant teachers, into the jungle with them. While two of them were molested, one of the teachers was allegedly raped by the youths. The women staffers were allowed to go back to the school in a battered condition four hours later, in the predawn hours.
The formal complaint was filed on July 31, with SDPO Sandeep Bhajibhakre appointed to investigate the case. "The medical report of the victim women staffers suggests that one of them was raped that night. We have circulated sketches of the accused in nearby areas and the probe into the case has reached its conclusive stages," said the SDPO.
He refused to give precise details about the accused and the investigations, but said that the accused would be arrested soon. Sources in Gadchiroli police however claimed that all three accused have been identified and cops are poised to arrest them any time.
CHANDRAPUR: Investigations into the kidnapping and molestation of staffers at a tribal ashram school by youths posing as Naxalites on Wednesday
night have reached the conclusive stage. Cops looking into the incident at village Rangi in Dhanora tehsil of Gadchiroli have reportedly identified the three accused involved in the act and are poised to arrest them.
Three youths reached the government-run ashram school in Rangi village late on Wednesday and claimed to be Naxals. They gathered all the staffers outside the school and thrashed the male employees for not "cooperating" with the ongoing Naxal martyr's week. Meanwhile, the three youths took three women staffers, including the school superintendent and two assistant teachers, into the jungle with them. While two of them were molested, one of the teachers was allegedly raped by the youths. The women staffers were allowed to go back to the school in a battered condition four hours later, in the predawn hours.
The formal complaint was filed on July 31, with SDPO Sandeep Bhajibhakre appointed to investigate the case. "The medical report of the victim women staffers suggests that one of them was raped that night. We have circulated sketches of the accused in nearby areas and the probe into the case has reached its conclusive stages," said the SDPO.
He refused to give precise details about the accused and the investigations, but said that the accused would be arrested soon. Sources in Gadchiroli police however claimed that all three accused have been identified and cops are poised to arrest them any time.
Key Maoist is gang-rape accused
Baljeet Parmar / DNATuesday, August 4, 2009 3:54 IST Email
Mumbai: In a major breakthrough, the Gadchiroli police have identified all the three top rung naxal leaders involved in the rape of three school teachers working with an Ashram at village Rangi, some 35kms from the district headquarters.
The breakthrough came after police nabbed one of the accused who revealed the identity of his accomplice. District Superintendent of Police (DSP) Rajesh Pradhan told DNA on Monday that one of the accused is a 'Dalam' commander and is involved in several naxal attacks on the police and locals.
Pradhan further informed that the three naxal leaders riding a motorbike barged into the state run school in the forenoon of July 29. They reprimanded all the school teachers for holding classes on a day when the ultras were observing a bandh in the area. Later they took the three victims to their party office and raped them in turns.
Mumbai: In a major breakthrough, the Gadchiroli police have identified all the three top rung naxal leaders involved in the rape of three school teachers working with an Ashram at village Rangi, some 35kms from the district headquarters.
The breakthrough came after police nabbed one of the accused who revealed the identity of his accomplice. District Superintendent of Police (DSP) Rajesh Pradhan told DNA on Monday that one of the accused is a 'Dalam' commander and is involved in several naxal attacks on the police and locals.
Pradhan further informed that the three naxal leaders riding a motorbike barged into the state run school in the forenoon of July 29. They reprimanded all the school teachers for holding classes on a day when the ultras were observing a bandh in the area. Later they took the three victims to their party office and raped them in turns.
Lathis against Ak-47s: Chhattisgarh cops are sitting ducks
August 4th, 2009 By Sujeet Kumar
Raipur, Aug 4 (IANS) It could well be dubbed the capital of India’s Maoist country. But thousands of policemen in Chhattisgarh who take on the AK-47-carrying rebels are armed with the humble ‘lathis’ or bamboo staves.
It is an unenviable battle, so loaded against the policemen that many are refusing to fight the insurgents, preferring instead to get suspended from service, police sources say. But the state’s police chief denies that his men are demoralised.
“You can say policemen are demoralised only when we are not going for operations in areas of Maoist control. The fact is that we have taken the battle to their (Maoist) zone and are killing them,” Director General of Police Vishwaranjan told IANS.
Another officer claimed that the Maoists were on the run in Chhattisgarh.
Other police officers narrate a different picture.
Some of them told IANS that a section of policemen posted in the thickly forested Maoist strongholds have made peace with the guerrillas in order to stay alive.
The result? Maoists rule supreme in vast areas of Chhattisgarh.
A senior police officer with over 15 years of posting in Maoist areas told IANS: “The government has the will to crush the insurgents, but it lacks vision and a strategy. This has left hundreds of policemen in forested interiors at the mercy of Maoists.
“Believe it or not, some of these policemen daily salute local Naxalite (Maoist) leaders to ensure they are alive. But in Raipur, the police brass claim that Maoists’ days are numbered!”
On July 12, Maoists ambushed a police convoy and killed 29 policemen in Rajnandgaon district. The massacre took to some 225 the number of security personnel and civilians killed in the state this year.
If the killings are any indication, the Maoists appear to be going strong.
The worst ever slaughter of policemen in India at the hands of Maoists took place in Chhattisgarh in March 2007 when 55 police personnel died in Bijapur district.
Sources in the police headquarters say some 38,000 police and paramilitary personnel are deployed against the Maoists in the tribal-majority state. The rebels number 50,000, including 15,000 female ones.
The numbers don’t tell the whole story. Among the policemen are about 10,000 constables deployed in the worst-hit pockets, but all that they have are ‘lathis’ to counter AK-47s.
The Maoists are also increasingly flashing mortars and rocket launchers.
“If the government really wants to take the battle to the Maoist heartland, they must have a clear strategy, intelligence gathering network and proper coordination,” said an anguished police official.
“The biggest problem is that policemen in the war zone feel that they have been given ‘punishment posting’ and they can survive only by developing friendship with Maoists,” an official told IANS.
Many policemen also have self-loading rifles and pistols, but these are no match to the lethal AK-47s.
While the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has AK-47s, the police say the CRPF does not venture beyond a few kilometres of their camps.
In July, 29 policemen were suspended for refusing to attend the Counter Terrorism and Jungle Warfare College (CTJWC) training before being sent to battle the Maoists.
Maoists are active in all 18 districts and can strike anywhere and at any time at will.
Said B.K. Ponwar, formerly head of the army’s Counter Insurgency and Jungle Warfare School in Mizoram: “Policemen will remain at the receiving end because they are not ready to follow the jungle warfare basics.”
(Sujeet Kumar can be contacted at sujeet.k@ians.in)
Raipur, Aug 4 (IANS) It could well be dubbed the capital of India’s Maoist country. But thousands of policemen in Chhattisgarh who take on the AK-47-carrying rebels are armed with the humble ‘lathis’ or bamboo staves.
It is an unenviable battle, so loaded against the policemen that many are refusing to fight the insurgents, preferring instead to get suspended from service, police sources say. But the state’s police chief denies that his men are demoralised.
“You can say policemen are demoralised only when we are not going for operations in areas of Maoist control. The fact is that we have taken the battle to their (Maoist) zone and are killing them,” Director General of Police Vishwaranjan told IANS.
Another officer claimed that the Maoists were on the run in Chhattisgarh.
Other police officers narrate a different picture.
Some of them told IANS that a section of policemen posted in the thickly forested Maoist strongholds have made peace with the guerrillas in order to stay alive.
The result? Maoists rule supreme in vast areas of Chhattisgarh.
A senior police officer with over 15 years of posting in Maoist areas told IANS: “The government has the will to crush the insurgents, but it lacks vision and a strategy. This has left hundreds of policemen in forested interiors at the mercy of Maoists.
“Believe it or not, some of these policemen daily salute local Naxalite (Maoist) leaders to ensure they are alive. But in Raipur, the police brass claim that Maoists’ days are numbered!”
On July 12, Maoists ambushed a police convoy and killed 29 policemen in Rajnandgaon district. The massacre took to some 225 the number of security personnel and civilians killed in the state this year.
If the killings are any indication, the Maoists appear to be going strong.
The worst ever slaughter of policemen in India at the hands of Maoists took place in Chhattisgarh in March 2007 when 55 police personnel died in Bijapur district.
Sources in the police headquarters say some 38,000 police and paramilitary personnel are deployed against the Maoists in the tribal-majority state. The rebels number 50,000, including 15,000 female ones.
The numbers don’t tell the whole story. Among the policemen are about 10,000 constables deployed in the worst-hit pockets, but all that they have are ‘lathis’ to counter AK-47s.
The Maoists are also increasingly flashing mortars and rocket launchers.
“If the government really wants to take the battle to the Maoist heartland, they must have a clear strategy, intelligence gathering network and proper coordination,” said an anguished police official.
“The biggest problem is that policemen in the war zone feel that they have been given ‘punishment posting’ and they can survive only by developing friendship with Maoists,” an official told IANS.
Many policemen also have self-loading rifles and pistols, but these are no match to the lethal AK-47s.
While the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has AK-47s, the police say the CRPF does not venture beyond a few kilometres of their camps.
In July, 29 policemen were suspended for refusing to attend the Counter Terrorism and Jungle Warfare College (CTJWC) training before being sent to battle the Maoists.
Maoists are active in all 18 districts and can strike anywhere and at any time at will.
Said B.K. Ponwar, formerly head of the army’s Counter Insurgency and Jungle Warfare School in Mizoram: “Policemen will remain at the receiving end because they are not ready to follow the jungle warfare basics.”
(Sujeet Kumar can be contacted at sujeet.k@ians.in)
Vote 0 Northeast to get Territorial Army’s first women’s battalion
Ians August 4th, 2009
NEW DELHI - The Territorial Army, a reserve force of trained civilians for the Indian Army, proposes to raise an all-women’s unit in the insurgency-hit northeast region, an official said Tuesday.
Presently, women can only join as doctors and nurses in the Territorial Army, which has a strength of 40,000.
There is a proposal for raising an all women’s battalion for the northeast, Maj. Gen. K.V.S. Lalotra, the additional director general of the Territorial Army, told members of parliament during a presentation on the force.
Also, in a bid to tap young talent from the corporate, engineering, IT and other fields, the Territorial Army proposes to make its training schedule more flexible to accommodate the requirements of working professionals.
There is a proposal to shorten their training period because if you are taking in an expert then you do not have to give him that much training,” Lalotra said.
Currently, on joining the Territorial Army, officers have to undergo mandatory training of four months followed by two months of training every year. This is now proposed to be cut down to one month and 14 days respectively.
The young MPs hailed the proposal.
Many politicians are keen to join the Territorial Army but considering our responsibilities towards our constituencies we can not. But this flexible training programme will solve that problem also, Deepinder Hooda, MP from Rohtak, told IANS.
The Territorial Army is a voluntary, part-time Citizen’s Army, consisting of people who are not professional soldiers but civilians eager to do their bit for the country’s defence. It acts as a reserve for the regular army in times of need and draws men from the 18-42 age group.
NEW DELHI - The Territorial Army, a reserve force of trained civilians for the Indian Army, proposes to raise an all-women’s unit in the insurgency-hit northeast region, an official said Tuesday.
Presently, women can only join as doctors and nurses in the Territorial Army, which has a strength of 40,000.
There is a proposal for raising an all women’s battalion for the northeast, Maj. Gen. K.V.S. Lalotra, the additional director general of the Territorial Army, told members of parliament during a presentation on the force.
Also, in a bid to tap young talent from the corporate, engineering, IT and other fields, the Territorial Army proposes to make its training schedule more flexible to accommodate the requirements of working professionals.
There is a proposal to shorten their training period because if you are taking in an expert then you do not have to give him that much training,” Lalotra said.
Currently, on joining the Territorial Army, officers have to undergo mandatory training of four months followed by two months of training every year. This is now proposed to be cut down to one month and 14 days respectively.
The young MPs hailed the proposal.
Many politicians are keen to join the Territorial Army but considering our responsibilities towards our constituencies we can not. But this flexible training programme will solve that problem also, Deepinder Hooda, MP from Rohtak, told IANS.
The Territorial Army is a voluntary, part-time Citizen’s Army, consisting of people who are not professional soldiers but civilians eager to do their bit for the country’s defence. It acts as a reserve for the regular army in times of need and draws men from the 18-42 age group.
Maoists plan to take 'guerrilla war' to new areas
Vishwa Mohan, TNN 3 August 2009, 02:06am IST
NEW DELHI: If the Centre has its action plan ready to deal with Maoists, the Red ultras have a counter-plan in place which talks about expanding
their "guerrilla war to new areas" to "disperse the enemy force (security personnel) over a sufficiently wider area".
When chief ministers of Naxal-affected states and their police chiefs meet here sometime this month, they will have the "counter-plan" as a big challenge before them while devising their strategy of "coordinated action" against Red terror.
Taking note of what home ministry has planned to counter them, the politburo of CPI (Maoist) an umbrella organisation of naxal outfits in the country in its last meeting on June 12 came out with a detailed plan, asking its armed wing, People Liberation of Guerrilla Army (PLGA), to carry out "tactical counter-offensives" keeping in mind strengths and weaknesses of government forces.
A copy of the naxals' plan was seized by security agencies during operations in Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and Orissa. It explains how the ultras are fanning out to different states to deviate police and paramilitary forces from Abhujmaad an area comprising nearly 4,000 sq km of dense forest in Chhattisgarh considered to be the Maoists' safest base.
Though the politburo considered government forces to be "superior", it noted that that it would be difficult for the Centre to send enough forces required by each state in near future as raising of central forces would take time.
"Keeping this in mind, we have to further aggravate the situation and create more difficulties for the enemy (security) forces by expanding our guerrilla war to new areas on the one hand and intensify the mass resistance in existing areas so as to disperse the enemy forces over a sufficiently wider area," the Maoists' politburo said.
Realising that any mistake on their part would be utilised by government forces to isolate them, the politburo has issued certain dos and don'ts for its cadre. It asked them to take extra precautions not to take reckless actions, not to cause damage to people's property or cause inconvenience to civilians. It also asked the cadre to promptly apologise for their mistakes and assure people that such mistakes would not be repeated.
Referring to their code of conduct, a senior home ministry official said the naxalites had adopted this strategy as they did not want to antagonise sympathetic local populations which provide them much needed support/shelter during operations. The ultras want to target only state security forces without causing inconvenience to civilians, he added.
Sensing the urgency of stepping up its armed struggle, CPI (Maoist) expressed the need to recruit new members, train cadre, build new leadership, enthuse them with daring counter-offensives, mobilise them into militant mass struggles and also "take up wide propaganda exposing state terror" with the help of their sympathisers and civil society.
Though the 14-page politburo note has not disclosed the Maoists' operational details, it clearly indicates how it has been building up cadres in new areas to take on security forces.
Addressing their sympathisers and trying to motivate cadres, the politburo also pointed to various movements outside India. It referred to Iraq and Afghanistan where it said locals had been fighting "reactionaries led by US imperialists".
vishwa.mohan@timesgroup.com
NEW DELHI: If the Centre has its action plan ready to deal with Maoists, the Red ultras have a counter-plan in place which talks about expanding
their "guerrilla war to new areas" to "disperse the enemy force (security personnel) over a sufficiently wider area".
When chief ministers of Naxal-affected states and their police chiefs meet here sometime this month, they will have the "counter-plan" as a big challenge before them while devising their strategy of "coordinated action" against Red terror.
Taking note of what home ministry has planned to counter them, the politburo of CPI (Maoist) an umbrella organisation of naxal outfits in the country in its last meeting on June 12 came out with a detailed plan, asking its armed wing, People Liberation of Guerrilla Army (PLGA), to carry out "tactical counter-offensives" keeping in mind strengths and weaknesses of government forces.
A copy of the naxals' plan was seized by security agencies during operations in Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and Orissa. It explains how the ultras are fanning out to different states to deviate police and paramilitary forces from Abhujmaad an area comprising nearly 4,000 sq km of dense forest in Chhattisgarh considered to be the Maoists' safest base.
Though the politburo considered government forces to be "superior", it noted that that it would be difficult for the Centre to send enough forces required by each state in near future as raising of central forces would take time.
"Keeping this in mind, we have to further aggravate the situation and create more difficulties for the enemy (security) forces by expanding our guerrilla war to new areas on the one hand and intensify the mass resistance in existing areas so as to disperse the enemy forces over a sufficiently wider area," the Maoists' politburo said.
Realising that any mistake on their part would be utilised by government forces to isolate them, the politburo has issued certain dos and don'ts for its cadre. It asked them to take extra precautions not to take reckless actions, not to cause damage to people's property or cause inconvenience to civilians. It also asked the cadre to promptly apologise for their mistakes and assure people that such mistakes would not be repeated.
Referring to their code of conduct, a senior home ministry official said the naxalites had adopted this strategy as they did not want to antagonise sympathetic local populations which provide them much needed support/shelter during operations. The ultras want to target only state security forces without causing inconvenience to civilians, he added.
Sensing the urgency of stepping up its armed struggle, CPI (Maoist) expressed the need to recruit new members, train cadre, build new leadership, enthuse them with daring counter-offensives, mobilise them into militant mass struggles and also "take up wide propaganda exposing state terror" with the help of their sympathisers and civil society.
Though the 14-page politburo note has not disclosed the Maoists' operational details, it clearly indicates how it has been building up cadres in new areas to take on security forces.
Addressing their sympathisers and trying to motivate cadres, the politburo also pointed to various movements outside India. It referred to Iraq and Afghanistan where it said locals had been fighting "reactionaries led by US imperialists".
vishwa.mohan@timesgroup.com
Five Naxals held in Chhattisgarh
Raipur, Aug 3 (PTI) Five Naxals were today arrested from Chhattisgarh's Dantewada district and explosive material were seized from them, police said.
District Superintendent of Police Amresh Mishra told PTI over phone that acting on a tip-off, a police team raided a hideout in Kuakonda area where the Naxals were holding a meeting.
The arrested Maoists were identified as Khorami Mulla, Sodhi Masa, Miryami Mahesh, Miryami Deva and Sodhi Joga, he said.
Detonators and wires besides Naxal banners and posters were recovered from the spot, he added.
District Superintendent of Police Amresh Mishra told PTI over phone that acting on a tip-off, a police team raided a hideout in Kuakonda area where the Naxals were holding a meeting.
The arrested Maoists were identified as Khorami Mulla, Sodhi Masa, Miryami Mahesh, Miryami Deva and Sodhi Joga, he said.
Detonators and wires besides Naxal banners and posters were recovered from the spot, he added.
Sunday, August 02, 2009
New BSF chief takes over
TNN 2 August 2009, 03:06am IST
NEW DELHI: Expressing concern over the "gaps'' in the border protection, new BSF director-general Raman Srivastava said that these would have to be
plugged.
Srivastava who took over from M L Kumawat on Saturday said, "The border is very long. There are gaps and we have to fill those. We have to further strengthen the organisation.''
Srivastava held charge as special secretary (internal security) in the home ministry in his previous stint.
Asked if the recent incident when rockets were fired from across the Indo-Pak border in Punjab was the handiwork of the Taliban, he said, "It will be wrong to pinpoint anyone right now. Investigations are on to find out who was behind this.''
The 1973 batch IPS officer, who has also served as the director-general of Kerala police, said his force was ready for anti-Naxal operations. "The BSF has always dealt with insurgency besides guarding the border. Fighting the Naxals will be slightly different but the force will rise to any challenge that is posed to it,'' Srivastava said.
On smuggling of narcotics and fake Indian currency notes via the border, he said, "BSF is already on the job and is doing great. We have to see if there are chances of improvement.''
NEW DELHI: Expressing concern over the "gaps'' in the border protection, new BSF director-general Raman Srivastava said that these would have to be
plugged.
Srivastava who took over from M L Kumawat on Saturday said, "The border is very long. There are gaps and we have to fill those. We have to further strengthen the organisation.''
Srivastava held charge as special secretary (internal security) in the home ministry in his previous stint.
Asked if the recent incident when rockets were fired from across the Indo-Pak border in Punjab was the handiwork of the Taliban, he said, "It will be wrong to pinpoint anyone right now. Investigations are on to find out who was behind this.''
The 1973 batch IPS officer, who has also served as the director-general of Kerala police, said his force was ready for anti-Naxal operations. "The BSF has always dealt with insurgency besides guarding the border. Fighting the Naxals will be slightly different but the force will rise to any challenge that is posed to it,'' Srivastava said.
On smuggling of narcotics and fake Indian currency notes via the border, he said, "BSF is already on the job and is doing great. We have to see if there are chances of improvement.''
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
