look news india
New Delhi: Maoists have adopted a new tactic of using Diwali firecrackers and incense sticks to attack security forces in left-wing extremism-affected areas, especially near CRPF-like camps in Telangana's Kothagudem district. This strategy came to the fore during the attack on Pusuguppa Camp on 25 September, when an attempt was made to distract the troops by bursting firecrackers from incense sticks before attacking with rockets and guns.
The attackers cleverly timed the attack in the evening so that the security forces would be fooled into thinking that they were directly attacked. After 45 minutes of intense firing the Maoists retreated and caused some damage to the camp fence, although there were no casualties. After finding evidence of Diwali firecrackers and burnt incense sticks, security forces discovered a new method of attack.
This strategy was intended to take advantage of the complexity of night attacks in which Maoists use the sound of firecrackers to distract security forces before launching more serious attacks. Experts say the strategy is part of a broader trend in which insurgents, having difficulty fighting in open combat, are relying on such camouflage measures and improvised explosive devices to target security forces.
Although less dangerous than conventional explosives, the new method has seen more use in remote areas where the CRPF is expanding its forward operating bases, especially in areas like Bastar in Chhattisgarh, where anti-Naxal operations are most intense.
