Mail News Service
Jamshedpur, July 12 : In view of recent spurt in cases of Maoists attack, the security forces have decided not to de-escalate the anti-insurgency operations in Kolhan due to monsoon.The security forces have adopted alternative methods to combat the barriers caused by challenging weather conditions.
�Despite rainy season we have not compromised with our combing operations. Our operations have instead been intensified,� said an official.
The security forces, he added, have adopted alternative techniques to continue the anti-insurgency operations in the difficult terrains of the interiors and keep Maoist activities under control. �Monsoon poses a barrier for combing operations. But with time, we have adopted new techniques to keep our operations running strong,� said he informed.
In Jharkhand, Maoist incidents have been on the rise soon after the conclusion of the 17th General Elections. At least five encounters between security forces and LWE groups have been reported in Jharkhand in the past one month or so. The first three encounters happened between security forces and the outlawed CPI (Maoist) in Saraikela Kharsawan and the fourth in Dumka district. The latest incident which caused major casualties to the security forces was reported on June 14. On this day, bike-borne CPI (Maoist) rebels killed five police personnel in Saraikela Kharsawan.
The number of Maoist incidents in the State has reduced over the past couple of years. Only 56 LWE incidents were reported in the first six months of this year. Last year, at least 59 incidents were reported in the first six months. From year 2013 to 2015, then the number of Maoist incidents reported annually was nearly 200.As per figures with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), at least 18 of 24 districts in Jharkhand are left wing extremism affected. Other than the CPI (Maoist), there are at least 17 splinter outfits active in the state. The forces had 22 encounters in the first six months of this year and neutralized at least 19 rebels.
While the police are preparing to intensify their anti-insurgency operations, the rebels, on the other hand, may use the monsoon season to their advantage. A senior police official said that the monsoon season often works in favour of the rebels as the jungle gets dense, providing enough places for them to hide.
� Every effort will be made to maintain law and order and to ensure security of the people. This time all security forces have also been alerted to remain vigilant, particularly against IEDs and landmines,” said another official.