Anti-land mine vehicles not effective in Bastar

Jagdalpur, Aug 2: Anti-landmine vehicles deployed in the naxalite-affected areas in Bastar division of Chhattisgarh have proved ineffective in withstanding the pressure bombs being used by the ultras.

The Maoist naxals have caused massive damage to two such vehicles, causing the death of at least 24 police jawans in one incident.

In neighbouring Orissa also, 39 police jawans were killed when a anti-landmine vehicle was blown up by naxalites at Kalimela in Malkangiri district a fortnight ago.

Highly-placed police sources said of the total 14 anti-landmine vehicles provided in Bastar, two were blown up by the ultras, while one was not in working condition.

Such vehicles were reportedly designed to withstand bomb explosion, but heavy damage to vehicles, causing a high death toll, has belied the faith of security personnel in using these vehicles, the sources added.

Nearly 250 security personnel were killed in landmine explosions and other attacks by naxalites in Bastar alone in the past three years. However, only 60 naxalites were killed during the period, the sources said.

UNI