Why are the Naxals attacking security personnel repeatedly?
Chhattisgarh's Maoist hotbed Sukma has witnessed several attacks in the past couple of years on security personnel posted there. One of the main reasons behind the attacks is the road construction projects in Sukma that have left the rebels unsettled. Therefore, to stop such projects, many security personnel posted at road construction sites in Sukma district have been killed in the line of duty.
Despite recent attacks, govt believes road network will bring development
The recent deadly attack on CRPF personnel on 13 March in Sukma that left nine jawans dead is the latest example of Maoists' attempt to disrupt the road network being laid there. However, despite the heavy loss, the central and state governments have been making efforts to expand the road network in the region, believing that will bring development to tribals there.
Recent attack shows Naxals' frustration over the government's plan
Naxals have tried several times to disrupt road construction by attacking security forces, damaging the roads, vehicles, and machines used in the work said Special Director General (anti-Naxal operations) DM Awasthi. "The latest attack shows their frustration over the government's plan to build a road there between Kistaram and Chintalnar," he said. "However, we won't stop till the target is met," he asserted.
Naxals fear construction of the road will uproot them
Naxals have a strong presence on the 40-km long stretch of the dirt track between Kistaram and Chintalnar villages, and they fear the construction of the road on the patch will uproot them from the area, Awasthi said. With the support of security forces, the earthwork of five kilometers of the road between Kistaram and Palodi, around 500 km from Raipur, has been completed.
Naxals plant IEDs to disrupt construction work
Naxals plant improvised explosive devices (IEDs) under the ground at various places to disrupt construction work, which pose a serious challenge to security forces. "However, once the security forces gain control over this patch, it would be easy for them to win the war against Naxals in the entire Bastar region as this forest of Sukma serves as a haven for Maoists," Awasthi said.
Naxals increased dominance in the area by damaging roads
Long ago, there was a good road between Kistaram and Chintalnar, but Naxals damaged it following their increasing dominance in the area, Awasthi said. On Tuesday, Maoists blew up an anti-landmine vehicle, killing nine CRPF personnel and injuring two others, in the Sukma district. On 24 April last year, the rebels had ambushed a patrolling team of the CRPF in Sukma, killing 25 personnel.
