IG (Operations) Murari lal Meena was once the Palamu SP and had the opportunity of conducting polls here. The IG (Ops) knows the length and breadth of Palamu, its topography and geo-strategy of the Naxals here.
Sources said in Palamu then a proposal was mooted to have a human shield of villagers for the troops which this upright and bold IPS officer had turned down on the ground that poor villagers’ chests could not be the bullet proof for the security forces. Human shield is a concept of putting villagers in the column of troops to avoid straight shots from the Naxals as presence of villagers forces Naxals to be more precise and discreet in their deadly mission. Here is the excerpt of the conversation with the IG (Ops):
Will the security forces go for area dominationIJ
The security forces will do this most vigorously. It will also do RoP (road opening).
It has been found that at times of poll borders are claimed to be sealed. How far is this effectiveIJ
Borders are sealed by way of raising barriers on the roads. This is a very traditional trend of sealing a border. It will be where ever it is found necessary.
Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Chhatisgarh are on the border of Palamu. Will the roads to these States will be sealed on the day of polling April 10 hereIJ
I am not inclined to road sealing as I told you it is a very traditional concept. Our enemy is Maoists and for them a strategic deployment of troops is the need of the hour.
Do you have adequate security forces for these jobsIJ
Very much. Paryapt bal hai hamare pas. The troops will be deployed intelligently and effectively.
In the last lok Sabha election, chopper was used for transporting officials for poll duties in a half a dozen booths located in a severe Naxal pocket here. Will this be available again in this electionIJ
We are getting enough choppers from the Government and these will be put to maximum use. It will be used for air drop for polling parties too.