IAF seeks govt consent to open fire at Maoists

The Indian Air Force (IAF) today said it had sought permission from the government to fire at Maoists if they attacked helicopters.

“The IAF has sought permission from the defence ministry to open fire in self-defence whenever our helicopters or air crew operating in the Maoist-infested areas come under attack,” Air Chief Marshal P V Naik told reporters.

Describing the Naxal attacks on IAF assets and air crew as a matter of grave concern, Naik said: “The Air Force, of course, has a greater role to play in the offensive against Naxals, be it higher reconnaissance or surveillance, troop movement and also for a Unmanned Aerial Vehicle recce.”

According to the United Progressive Alliance, Maoists do not represent only a law and order problem but are a product of socio-economic deprivation and must be treated as such.

On the use of air power to track down Maoists, the IAF chief said it would be a “tricky” decision, as the risks of collateral damage in the form of innocent citizens being hit was quite high during such operations.

“In our country, it would be difficult to distinguish between the good and bad guys. A decision needs to be taken at the highest level before we go in for the attack mode,” he added.

Referring to the US using its Drones against Taliban in Afghanistan and Pakistan, he said: “It must be noted that these attacks have taken place outside the US territory. Only in Swat, had Pakistan used its forces to attack the terror groups.”