IS FIGHTING NAXALS A MOVIE GIMMICK ?

DrColonel K Prabhakar Rao ( retired)

The latest and recent Maoist attack in Chattisgarh in which 76
paramilitary personnel were slain plumb is clear indication of Center's
loss of control, wrong priorities, poor leadership and  directives on national security.
They have no vision, Fore
thought, effective plan to combat Naxalites. These paramilitary forces
that claim equivalence to Army when it comes to pay and perks, status, flags, star plates, mEdals, Drill, swords,  Show ,etc are completely
cluless about fighting against motivated guerilla forces. A hotch potch ill equipped
but highly motivated group of Naxals who are sons of soil have wiped
out the unit of paramilitary forces competely by attacking in strength
and in suprice. Surprise and effective plan and meticulous execution
are responsible for the annhilation of the CRPF jawans.The honorable
white clad Home minister Chidamabram must take responsibility for
bungling and for the loss of lives and in failing to combat these
attacks effectively and it is better he steps down and hands over to a
better person.A person like former DGP Sen of AP is required to plan
such operations. Whom they are fooling in this nation? Naxals can not
be tackled by mere statements and holding meetings. Now they are
talking of using air force into the conflict. Use of defence forces has
to be the last resort for settling internal insurgency and such usage
has dangers of political influence on defense forces at a later date.
No air operations will be required against Naxals. Air force will be
efective when the enmy formations are widespread, can be located and
offer a good target. Naxals operate in jungles close to civilan areas (
rather among them too) where spotting becomes very difficult and by the
time air crafts arrive they seek safe places and attacks will be
futile. Helicopter gunships although can be used to limited extent for
transporting comando teams success against Naxals is doubtful. Naxals
have to be tackled by superior strength, better intelligence and safety
measures avoiding ambushes. How can a well trained CRPF party be
ambushed in this manner,. This is not first time it happened. Some time
ago at Orissa border the jawans were waylaid while crossing a lake in
large boats and were slaughtered. These police teams are clueless with
poor leadership. Probably as per them fighting Naxals in jungles is
like fighting in movies. It is real fight. Entire operations against
Naxals need efective plan and execution. Chidamabaram must go
immediately at all costs.

Dr Colonel K Prabhaka Rao ( retired)