The repeated attacks on CRPF personnel by Maoists are a result of a lack of proper leadership in this force. The lapses seem to be many, such as poor intelligence-gathering, improper battle drills while moving in insurgency-affected areas, a lack of use of technology such as UAVs with thermal imagery cameras and so on. One wonders why heads have not rolled even after such brazen lapses. As a force, the CRPF needs a relook at its organisational-level management and training in general. The induction of serving Indian Army officers on deputation or retired short service commission officers on permanent absorption may help the situation.
S. Sankaranarayanan,
Chennai
Most of us just ask this: What exactly are the Maoists fighting for and what has made them resilient despite an intensified manhunt? They seem to oppose tooth and nail any attempt by the state to get into areas where they have isolated themselves and fellow villagers in a quixotic attempt at overthrowing the Indian state. The CRPF men were providing protective cover to build a road through and into the Maoist heartland. Building roads, police stations, schools and health-care centres is a part and parcel of the strategy to defeat left-wing extremism. A decade ago, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh described the Maoist insurgency as India’s most serious internal security challenge. Yes, the Maoist threat presents a clear and present danger. The country needs a well-deliberated and finely calibrated response strategy with matching operational doctrines and necessary resources.
K.S. Jayatheertha,
Bengaluru
