The Home minister Chidambram in a statement attributed to him and reported by the Times of India had announced that the Maoist insurgency would be over in two years. Accordingly a paramilitary force of almost 55,000 personnel was deputed to counter the Maoists, who draw their inspiration from the legendary Chinese leader Mao tse Tung. The operation named 'Green Hunt' was expected to be the beginning of the end of the Maoist insurgency in Central India.
As a part of this operation about 120 personnel of the Central Reserve police Force of the 62nd battalion was returning after a combing operation near Chintalnar in Dantawada district of the Indian state of Chattisgarh. Dantewada is 400 kilometers from the state capital Raipur. This state is situated in eastern India.
The patrolling party took the Maoist menace lightly and did not follow the laid down procedures during the march. Accordingly a ferocious attack was mounted by the Peoples Liberation Army, the Maoist military wing. The CRPF party was ambushed and could not fight back as they were surrounded and the Maoists who opened fire were perched on nearby hills. At first count 74 personnel have been killed in what has been the biggest attack by the Maoists ever.
The Maoist liberation army had planned this operation with great care and diligence. Accordingly they attacked the CRPF troops at a place and time of their choosing. The attack took place in the early hours of Tuesday 6th April between 6 and 7 am. The CRPF party was returning after a combing operation in this Maoist infected area in bid to wrest control from the Maoists. But the Maoists had planned and done their home work. They had the element of surprise and detonated pressure mines that had been implanted earlier. The bullet proof vehicle with the CRPF was blown. This shows meticulous planning by the Peoples Guerrilla army.
The attack must have come as rude jolt to the Home minister. It also raises questions that the Chidambram will find it difficult to answer. The attack itself would have severely dented the morale of the troops operating in the area. The Home Minister had earlier stated that the army was not an option. Perhaps he may have a rethink to do as the Governments policy of using minimal force appears suspect. Even after the episode the Home secretary ruled out the option of using air power.
The Chief of the Air Staff went on National TV on 7 April and announced that he did not favor the use of the Air Force against our 'own people'. But the Prime Minister has said that all options are under consideration including air power.
The sands of time are running out. The Naxal/ Maoist operation cannot be treated with kid gloves. The Prime Minister and the Home Minister owe it to the nation to show leadership and resolve to stamp out this insurgency that can eat into the roots of the Indian nation.
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