Naxals exposed major security loopholes

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Source: The Hindu (http://www.hinduonnet.com/2010/01/01/stories/2010010150350300.htm)
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Naxals exposed major security loopholes


Staff Reporter

Naryanpatna became new ground for violent games of naxals in 2009
BERHAMPUR: In the year 2009, in a strategic manner the Maoists were able to extend their veil of terror and panic in districts of south Orissa. With their attacks on key locations Maoists exposed the glaring loopholes in the security of major infrastructures. The bauxite mines of NALCO at Panchpatmali hill top in Koraput district were targeted by the naxals on the night of April 12. Over 500 naxals had made this attack. Only 22 personnel of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) dared them. Nine security personnel were killed while four naxals died in police firing. They also dared to take advantage of low security at Balimela hydel project in Malkangiri district and disrupted power generation thorough an attack and damage infrastructure of the hydel project on Dec 19 night.

Concentration
Maoists preferred to concentrate on Koraput district this year. Naryanpatna block became new ground for violent games of naxals during the year. Maoists took advantage of the tribal agitation in the area and took control of the region. Through road blockades they kept the area cut off from outside world for more than a week several times during past year. Eight personnel of the Orissa Special Striking Force (OSSF) and the driver of their vehicle were killed in a landmine blast while they were on their way to clear road blockades on June 18. On June 7 night Maoists had taken control of Baipariguda town in Koraput district. They had blasted the police station and police barrack there. On the same night they attacked Ramgiri police outpost and Machhkund police station.
Maoists showed their violent opposition to electoral process by murdering an independent candidate contesting from Malkangiri Assembly seat, Somnath Madkami. In Malkangiri district they targeted the guest house of the Essar group and the ore pipeline of the company. On Nov 13 three personnel of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) died when their motorcade was targeted near MV66 village. The panic of Maoists prevailed in such a way in the district that Maoists would make the traffic standstill in the district through a few posters and pamphlets.
Maoists got involved in more than 10 violent missions in Kandhamal district. In Gajapati they blasted a police station at Paniganda in July. In February 14 security personnel in a vehicle escaped death due to mistiming of a landmine blast by naxals.
Naxals continued to blast and ransack soft targets like mobile telephone communication towers and unguarded forest beat houses.
Naxals faced some debacles in Rayagada districts due to a series of arrests and surrenders.


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