New IAF chopper unit to help fight Maoists

The anti-Maoist operations in Bastar region of Chhattisgarh are set to be augmented with the air force putting in place a squadron of its latest Mi-17 V-5 helicopters in Nagpur for the assistance of security forces.

The Bastar region had witnessed a brutal attack by the Maoists on a Congress convoy last week in Chhattisgarh.

The squadron, which would be in place by next month, will help reduce time in providing air support during day and night for evacuation and other needs.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) function here, Air Chief Marshal N.A.K. Browne said the squadron will be "an add-on fully operational day-and-night unit".

He said technology should be used as an aid in tackling Maoist violence.

He said there was need to deploy systems in the Maoist-hit areas which would provide better surveillance capabilities to the forces.

Browne said the new squadron will provide support to anti-Naxal operations by the forces on ground in Bastar region of Chhattisgarh and other areas.

He said the base of the new unit would be closer to Jagdalpur and will have lesser response time.

Air force officials said there was already a helicopter unit in Gorakhpur with detachments in Ranchi, Raipur and Jagdalpur and its task was "spread out".

They said the new unit will be able to meet future requirements more effectively.

Officials, however, said the decision on a new helicopter squadron was not linked to the recent brutal attack by Maoists on a Congress convoy in Chhattisgarh.

They said the decision about setting up a new helicopter squadron in Nagpur had been taken earlier.

The officials said there would be no change in rules of engagement and standard operating procedure will be followed which prescribes firing in self-defence only.