New tactics behind Dantewada Naxalite attack

Naxalites adopted new equipment and tactics to attack security forces and kill 23 of them on the night of July 9.

The new Naxalite strategy confused both jawans and the authorities directing such operations.

The new tactics were simple- sources said Naxalites first fired in air and then maintained a pause for a long to convey the impression that they had fled the spot.

This fooled the leaders of the state security force and the entire force relaxed, at which point the Naxalites re-attacked with heavy gunfire and lobbied grenades from all sides.

The fooled police team had allowed themselves to be surrounded.

The attackers used new equipment as well.

"Naxalites had put on helmets and bullet-proof jackets and they were well prepared to take on security personnel," another official admitted.

A few Naxalites appeared to be of Nepalese origin, the source alleged when describing those involved in the attack.

The jawans were felled by bullets and some sustained multiple stab injuries from axes and other weapons.

The faces of many jawans were disfigured and it was hard to establish their identity.

Normal life was hit at the sleepy town of Errabore in Dantewada district where this happened as the terror unleased by the Naxalites cowed local tribals into silence more so when the 23 bodies were brought there in coffins.

The bodies of jawans were sent to Raipur from where they would be sent to their homes.

Security forces combating Naxalites in Chhattisgarh lost their "battle" and the attack was the first incident in Chhattisgarh when security forces sustained such heavy losses.

State forces were advancing to attack a Naxalite camp and were prepared for explosions caused by landmines.

"The incident has come as a big setback as the strategy to go on the offensive has been foiled. It will demoralize jawans]," admitted a senior police official who was unwilling to be named

The attack took place at the place also known as Mariyaguda.

The injured jawans were yet to recover from the shock of the attack.