ANF operations push Naxalites into non-traditional areas

Mangalore: Changed tactics of Anti-Naxal Force (ANF) in penetrating deeper into forest area for combing is forcing Naxalites to seek newer havens in the sylvan Western Ghats.
Their latest run in with ANF at Palligadde near Kalkunda in Subrahmanya police station limits late on Sunday has only reinforced the belief that Naxalites are no longer staying put in their traditional strongholds like Kuthlur, Kanyana, Bolle and Belthangady in DK district.
When ANF operations commenced to flush out the Left-wing extremists from the malnad and Western Ghat areas around eight years ago, reports of Naxalites being sighted mainly came from areas either on fringes of the Western Ghats or outside it. But in the changed operational scenario with ANF venturing deeper into forests, Naxalites are shifting base constantly as seen from their recent spotting in Shishila, Addahole, Kayarthadka and now Kalkunda.
They are spreading out from their traditional areas because of the pressure brought on them by us, said Alok Kumar, inspector general of police (ANF).
“Naxalites are now operating in areas where there is no ANF presence for they do not want to confront us directly,” he said adding ANF is adapting its role on the ground accordingly. “We were lying in ambush at Palligadde after reports of Naxalites having been spotted in Kalkunda over the weekend,” he said.
Incidentally, the Palligadde exchange of fire is the fourth such incident involving ANF and the Naxalites this year. The first incident took place at Barkana in the first week of January followed by Bolle in March, and Kuthlur in April.
“ANF in between discovered a Naxal resting place in Sringeri taluk in Chikmagalur on August 18 and recovered materials from the area,” Alok said adding ANF is following Naxalites and challenging them.
Another strategic decision taken in the Naxal pursuit policy is to unleash maximum firepower when challenged by Naxalites. ANF lobbed grenades against Naxalites besides opening fire using SLRs and AK-47s at Palligadde. “When we lie in ambush, all precautions are taken,” he said, adding drill is followed to ensure there are no ‘friendly fire’ incidents. It is also to showcase our capabilities to Naxalites that they will not be allowed a free run,” he added.