Shaken by the abduction and brutal execution of intelligence officer Francis Induwar near state capital Ranchi, Jharkhand Police are discussing measures to ensure the safety of security personnel posted in Maoist-infected areas.
While central paramilitary forces are insisting that jawans stick to the existing safety guidelines, police have decided to “sensitise” personnel on maintaining confidentiality while patrolling areas with substantial Maoist presence.
“It is important that we maintain confidentiality while moving deep inside Naxal territories. It seems Naxals had tracked down Francis Induwar and kidnapped him,” deputy inspector general of police RK Mallick said.
Other senior officers said they would instruct personnel to move in groups when in Naxal areas and inform colleagues or superiors if they have to venture out alone. “We had a meeting with the operations and intelligence wing and are trying to draw up a plan to sensitise personnel and avoid such incidents in future,” Mallick said.
This is first time that an unarmed policeman, Induwar, 52, was kidnapped and killed by Maoists in Khunti district near Ranchi. His body was found on the highway between Ranchi and Jamshedpur on Tuesday morning. Police said Maoists slit his throat and left him on the road to die.
“Armed personnel are taught to guard their movements against possible attacks, especially ambushes. Now, we will have to extend the training to the unarmed staff as well,” Mallick said.
Meanwhile, paramilitary forces are keenly watching the developments in Jharkhand and have asked personnel in 186 Maoist-infested districts to follow the ‘standing operating procedure’ and not move out of their barracks alone.
“We have realised that our men are mostly attacked when they go on leave or are coming back from leave, because that is the only time they are alone and unarmed. So, we ask them to be careful and try and disguise themselves by mixing with locals while coming back to the barracks,” a senior CRPF officer said.
Senior paramilitary officers have also asked personnel not to wear uniforms while going on or coming back from leave to avoid identification. “We have asked personnel to inform us in advance about their arrivals and departures and provide details of their mode of transport,” the officer said.
