A massive operation has been launched by the security forces in Pakur and Dumka to check cross-border movement of the Maoists involved in the Tuesday’s attack, killing Pakur SP Amarjeet Balihar and four constables. At least 10 teams of security forces drawn from Jharkhand Armed Police (JAP) in Pakur and Dumka have been pressed into action to plug all possible escape routes of the insurgents.
Police suspect the Maoists may take advantage of thick vegetation, hilly terrain and heavy rains in the State to cross the Jharkhand-West Bengal border. Once considered a peaceful area, the Maoists are slowly catching up in Santhal Pargana due to lack of development in the area.
“Dumka had been a peaceful area till now….we have sent two battalions of Jaguar to Santhal Pargana….now, operation will be conducted all over the State,” said DGP Rajiv Kumar.
Reacting to the incident, Governor’s Advisor Anand Shankar also reiterated that the security forces were not discouraged and strict action against the Maoists would be taken. “We are in constant touch with the security forces involved in the operation. I am leaving for Dumka to review the situation,” said Shankar.“Strategy is being prepared keeping in mind all the points and we have also sought support from the Centre in this regard,” Shankar said.
The Governor also said the operations in the state would be intensified further. According to intelligence reports, over 100 heavily-armed rebels were involved in the attack on the SP’s convoy. Due to sheer neglect of Santhal Pargana in the past, the area is gradually turning into a Maoist stronghold while the State government is yet to take measures to curb their movement.
More than 30 battalions of CRFP, JAP, IRB and State police are involved in anti-Maoists operations in North and South Chotanagpur, Palamau and Singhbhum-Kolhan divisions but Santhal Pargana has been neglected so far.
Meanwhile, Advisor Anand Shankar, Home Secretary NN Pandey and the DGP Rajiv Kumar visited Dumka to take stock of the operations in the area. They also talked to the officer in charge of the surrounding areas of Kathikund.