Chhattisgarh Police on Tuesday claimed of killing about 35 Maoists in encounter with Naxals at Pidmel region of insurgency-ridden Sukma district wherein seven troopers of Chhattisgarh Armed Force (CAF) were martyred on April 19. “This has been the biggest damage to Naxals so far in which about 35 of their cadres participating in attack were killed and 15 other guerrillas were injured,” said Sodi Ram alias Kanna Karigundam, the surrendered Naxal Janmilita Commander, who had participated in Pidmel attack who was present in the press conference.
Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) (Naxal operations) RK Vij while detailing about the Pidmel incident said that the police team had prior information about presence of Naxals around Pidmel and the encounter happened before Pidmel so the police input was quite correct. “After the encounter, Naxals had called a meeting and decided that information on this damage should not be allowed to be leaked. This seems to be psychological war launched by Maoists as they have been demoralized by these kinds of losses and more are leaving the cadres,” the ADG opined.
He further said that recently a new police post in Basingbahar region ahead of Kurusnar post have been opened which was the last post. “On the very first day, after erecting of a post, jawans had encounter with Naxals and several other gun battles between both sides followed soon. later, some of the left wing extremists who had surrendered told police that panic prevailed among cadres in the Maoist Military Platoon operating in the area,” the ADG claimed.
According to the ADGP, the Maoists in letters found after encounter have confessed of losing hold over the region.He dodged the question of use of UAV to track Naxal movement after any encounter. Over communication gap with Platoon Commander Shankar Rao during Pidmel operation, the ADG said it seems he could not get clear cut orders and he decided to proceed on his own. “We would recommend Shankar Rao’s name for Shaurya Chakra or Kirti Chakra” Vij told reporters.