Orissa, an easy target for Naxals | 17 cops killed

BLOODY HISTORY: Malkangiri has become home to the Naxals who came from Chhattisgarh and Andhra.

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Keywords: Greyhounds, Police

New Delhi: At least 17 policemen are reportedly dead in a daring attack on an anti-landmine vehicle of the security forces in Malkangiri district of Orissa. So powerful was the blast that it blew up the vehicle, killing all inside.

The special operations group was engaged in a combing operation following an attack on a local political leader.

Ironically, this attack also came on a day when the chief ministers of four states, Orissa, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and Andhra Pradesh were in Delhi to discuss Naxal terror with the home secretary.

“We emphasised on following standard procedures during an anti-insurgency operation. This has been done in order to avoid such incidents as today’s,” said Home Secretary, Madhukar Gupta.

This attack comes close on the heels of the Maoist attack barely 14 days ago when 38 commandoes of the elite greyhound force were killed. However, no lessons seemed to have been learnt. This time too basic safety norms were violated. All the 17 officers were travelling in one vehicle instead of minimising the risk by travelling in small groups.

Many Naxals have made Malkangiri their home after fleeing Andhra Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. The state also does not have a clear strategy to combat the Naxals.

The Chief Minister has declared a compensation of Rs 14 lakh each and a job to the families of the victims.