Maoists devise new modus operandi to attack security forces

Forces like CRPF and BSF, deployed in anti-Maoist operations in states like Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and Orrisa, have encountered IEDs hung from the branches of trees along their patrolling tracks.

A classified report prepared by one of the formations has stated that Naxals are now tying IEDs on branches of trees at a height of about 4-5 feet.

The IEDs are placed on trees with the intention to exploding them when security forces patrol jungle areas.

"The IEDs are kept on such trees which have thick foliage thereby concealing their presence. Such IEDs bring about deadly injuries on the head and upper torso of police personnel," a senior officer involved in anti-naxal operations in Chhattisgarh said.

The officer said that it has become a "double trouble" for the troops as they now have to be alert about explosives embedded in the ground as well as on trees.

Hit by the impact of these IEDs, the CRPF has recently tied up with the Army to train its personnel in detecting and defusing them.

The Army's College of Military Engineering (CME) in Pune has begun training CRPF commanders and other officers in dealing with IEDs of various kinds.

IED explosions have killed more than 150 jawans and officers of CRPF, BSF, ITBP and state police personnel in the last few years and have maimed hundreds others.

IEDs have been found hidden at the depth of more than 15 feet in many cases and various detecting devices like 'dip sticks' and sniffer dogs have failed to be foolproof.

A number of patrol parties, both on foot and on vehicles, have fallen prey to these deadly explosives which are sometimes as heavy as 80kg.