Joint anti-Naxalite operations with Bengal in Jharkhand

The joint anti-Naxalite operations with Bengal were launched in Saranda forests in Ghatshila sub-division of East Singhbhum district and the hilly terrain of Jhumra in Bokaro district.

According to director general of police (DGP), Jharkhand Neyaz Ahmed, joint anti-Naxalite operations have been launched since Sunday in three areas and the same would be intensified to new areas.

Twenty five companies of paramilitary forces, including CRPF and Cobra commandos were deployed in the operations.

Though the joint operations had started at the beginning of the week, top police officials instructed the police stations not to divulge the news of operations to the media.

One chopper belonging to Indian Air Force (IAF) and another belonging to Border Security Force (BSF) were being engaged for aerial survey and ferrying security personnel. Besides, anti-landmine vehicles were being used in the operations.

The DGP said that the combined forces had entered the deep forests and destroyed several Naxalite hideouts and recovered arms and ammunition and cash of over Rs 4 lakh from Bokaro.