With security forces coming under unprecedented attack in the Maoist-affected states (particularly Chhattisgarh), it is reassuring to know that at least one arm of the government has chalked out a strategy that could eventually yield some morale-boosting victories against the extremists. DRDO’s efforts to secure cutting-edge technology that would help the security forces detect improvised explosive devices (IEDs) that have been used to devastating effect by the Maoists (“Helicopter-mounted radar to tackle Naxal IEDs”, July 2), appear to be the first positive piece of news in an otherwise depressing scenario.
Neither the state concerned nor the Central government has the remotest idea how to combat what Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has described as the “gravest threat” to the internal security of India. Operation Greenhunt was launched amidst great fanfare and high expectations that with the Centre getting into the act, encounters with the security personnel would no longer be walkovers for the Maoists.
But months later, neither the state police forces nor the central paramilitary forces have any clue about how to tackle the Maoists. In fact, it may well be asked, who is hunting whom? The distressing truth is that it is not the Maoists but the security forces — who do not seem to observe even the most elementary precautions when dealing with a cunning enemy — who are on the run. Of course, the DRDO’s track record over the past several years doesn’t inspire much confidence. However, since this time it will import Saab’s technology rather than develop in-house know-how, there seems to be minimum room for error!
Kumaresh Chowdhury, Kolkata
Readers should write to:
The Editor, Business Standard,
Nehru House, 4, Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, New Delhi 110 002,
Fax: (011) 23720201;
letters@bsmail.in
