CRPF sets up 3 new forward bases in Bastar’s Naxal areas

The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has opened three new forward bases in the “hardcore” Maoist violence-affected districts of Chhattisgarh’s Bastar region to provide security forces with “strategic” hubs for launching intensified anti-Naxal operations.

The forward operating bases (FOB) have come up in Tumpalpad and Rayagudem in Sukma district and Kondapalli in the adjoining Bijapur district. These bases have been made operational over the last week or so, officials said.

The central force is working on a strategy to make inroads into “hardcore” Naxalite areas of the state, where the final battle against Left Wing Extremism (LWE) is concentrated.

The FOBs act as launching pads for all security forces, including the CRPF and state police units, to launch specific and intelligence-based anti-Naxal operations in core areas, they said.

All these three villages have served as the logistical centres for Maoists for decades. Kondapalli, as per LWE theatre experts, used to be an important recruitment centre for the “most vital” PLGA battalion No. 1 of the Maoists.

The village located on the banks of the Talperu river also served as a training area for the Maoists, Similarly, Tumalpad, on the banks of the Chintavagu river, served as a halt area and corridor for the Naxals, the experts said.

These forward operating bases will act as physical barriers and curb the free movement of Naxals in these areas, which were called ‘no-go’ territories for the government authorities and security forces till now, the officials said.

Cop injured in Sukma IED blast

A District Reserve Guard constable was injured when a pressure improvised explosive device (IED) planted by Naxalites exploded in Chhattisgarh’s Sukma district on Sunday. Security personnel also recovered another IED planted by Naxalites at a separate place in same area of the district. PTI