33 Greyhound jawans still missing : Home Minister

Hyderabad, Jul 1 (UNI) Andhra Pradesh Home Minister K Jana Reddy today said 33 Greyhound jawans were still missing at Andhra-Orissa Border (AOB) after the Maoists fired at their motor launch in Balimela Reservoir on June 28.

Speaking to newspersons here, Mr Reddy said as many as 56 police parties, comprising 300 men of CRPF and Greyhounds, were continuing the combing operations at the spot. Naval divers and choppers were pressed into service to trace the missing jawans.

Stating that the injured jawans, who were undergoing treatment at Viskhapatnam, would be immediately shifted to Hyderabad if there was a need, he said it was unfortunate that the naxals attacked those who were struggling to maintain law and order situation and dedicated their lives to the cause.

The Minister said an inquiry by a senior police official would be ordered into the incident to know the 'police failure' in tracking the Maoists' movements at AOB area and whether the jawans did not follow the directions of the higher authorities while moving on the boat when the Naxals attacked them.

UNI AP VA GM AE KP1540