CRPF 'suspends' anti-Maoist opns in Bastar

Raipur, Apr 12: The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has suspended the anti-Maoist operation in the forested area of Bastar in Chhattisgarh.

According to state police sources, the reason behind the suspension was following the attack on 75 troopers in Dantewada forest on Apr 6.

"That attack has shocked the CRPF men in Bastar," a high level source in the Chhattisgarh Police was quoted by news agency as saying.

"The anti-Maoist operation has been hit hard after the killing of 75 CRPF troopers Apr 6," the police source said.

"For the time being they are in their camps. No operation from CRPF is on in the jungles now," the source said.

The source further said, "I hope the CRPF will soon get over the setback and join the police for intensified combing of the forests."

75 CRPF personnel and a lone Chhattisgarh policeman were slaughtered by Maoist guerrillas in the forests of Dantewada district in Bastar region on Apr 6.

Since then, CRPF personnel have complained to journalists, on the condition of anonymity, that weapons provided to them are of poor quality and that some of their camps even lack drinking water.

OneIndia News