The MI-17 helicopters of the Indian Air Force, deployed in the Maoist-hit Bastar region of Chhattisgarh, would now open fire in self-defence when attacked by the insurgents.
The MI-17s are primarily used in rescue operations.
“During some of these operations, the Maoists fired on the helicopters. To deal with this situation, senior police and IAF officers have decided to evolve a new strategy,” said a statement from the Chhattisgarh police headquarters.
“As a part of this new strategy, three MI-17 helicopters performed firing exercises at three select locations in Bijapur district on October 13.”
‘GARUD’ commandos of the IAF took part in the exercise. However, the MI-17s won’t be used in combat operations, said R.K. VIj, the Additional Director-General of Police, Anti-Naxal operations, Chhattisgarh.
According to an officer in Bastar, the choppers have been authorised to fire in retaliation for a long time.
“But they are reluctant. It’s difficult to understand what stops them. The armed commandos on the chopper must retaliate when the Maoists attack them. But there have been times when Maoists in civilian clothes attacked the choppers but the gunners failed to retaliate,” said the officer requesting anonymity.
