UP borders on high alert for Naxals

Lucknow In the wake of the operation launched against Naxalites in Chattisgarh, the forests of Sonbhadra district in Uttar Pradesh, abutting Chhatisgarh, saw massive combing operations on Saturday to check any possible Naxal infiltration into the state.

“The forces deployed in the bordering areas of Sonbhadra are on high alert to check the infiltration by Naxalites, following the fierce operation in Chhatisgarh,” Uttar Pradesh Inspector General (Law & Order) A P Maheshwari told The Indian Express.

Sonbhadra Superintendent of Police Preetinder Singh said, “The Dantewada district where the operation in Chhatisgarh is centred is far from the Sonbhadra border. The Naxals may, however, infiltrate into UP on way to Jharkhand.”

“I spoke to my counterparts in Orissa and Chhatisgarh today and discussed the strategy to tackle the situation. We are sharing all details on the Naxal groups in their states,” said Singh.

Sarguja, Balrampur and Surajpur towns of Chhatisgarh are the bordering areas of Sonbhadra.

Adding that the Naxalites involved in the Dantewada operation are armed with hi-tech weapons, the SP said: “The southern part of the district borders Chhatisgarh and the battalions of CRPF and the PAC, camping in the Beejpur area, are patrolling the jungles to check the entry of Naxals.”

A few CoBRA jawans and an assistant commandant have been ambushed and killed by Naxals, said Singh, while adding that there are clear directives from the

Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) for coordination among states dealing with the Naxalite menace.

“Forces deployed in the areas bordering Jharkhand and Bihar have been alerted to maintain strict vigil. The sensitive areas bordering Sonbhadra are Rohtas, Bhabhua and Kaimur in Bihar and Garhwa in Jharkhand, added Singh.