Sukma attack: Naxal video shows ambush planning

New Delhi: In a first, Naxals have released a video allegedly of the Burkapal massacre in which 25 CRPF personnel were killed on April 24. The graphic video, whose authenticity could not be ascertained, reveals the meticulous planning which went into the encounter.

In the six-minute long video, which was sent to journalists, a number of Naxal cadres can be seen moving towards CRPF jawans in a unified formation while continuously firing at them with heavy automatic weapons.

The videos also shows Naxal commanders constantly instructing their cadres to change location and keep firing on the security personnel in a bid to inflict maximum damage. 

Most of the Naxals are dressed in dark green uniforms, an indication that they were part of the People’s Liberation Guerrilla Army (PLGA), the highly-trained, armed unit of the Maoists. The video also confirms what is now in the public domain — that the Maoists escaped with weapons of the slain security personnel. 

In the graphic video, women Naxals can be seen taking away sophisticated weapons and removing bullet-proof vests from the blood-stained bodies of CRPF personnel. The Naxals, however, are not seen mutilating the bodies of the security personnel. 

The video captures the intensity of the operation as heavy gun firing can be heard all along while Naxal commanders are giving directions to their armed operatives. 

The video has been shot close to the main road which was being provided security cover by the 74th battalion personnel as some construction activity was going on the area. The road is seen surrounded by thick forests on both sides from where the Naxals ambushed the security personnel. Motorcycles used by the security and construction teams are also seen parked on the road during the operation.

Security forces are baffled about the reason behind the release of the video. In the past Naxals have released videos and literature of their training, camps and various meetings, but never of a live operation. Officials suspect that this could be part of a strategy to demoralise security personnel deployed in the “red zone.”

Home ministry has instructed security forces on the ground to go on an “all-out offensive” against the Maoists and “show results in the next few weeks.” They have also been asked to target the Maoists’ top leadership.

Senior officials of the home ministry and security forces who visited Chhattisgarh recently reported that fatigue has set in among a majority of the 45,000-strong CRPF contingent deployed in Naxal infested areas. High stress levels were also noticed among the security personnel as many of them have been posted in the region for almost five years even though the tenure should not be more than three. 

Officials admitted that long postings in high-stress environment, made worse by the hot and humid conditions and difficult terrain, has led to lack of motivation. In fact, many security personnel prefer being posted to the Kashmir Valley or any other place for counter insurgency operations. 

CRPF has lost 38 personnel in Naxal violence in Chhattisgarh this year.  

On its part the home ministry has been trying to provide better infrastructure to security forces engaged in Naxal areas with 58 mine-protected vehicles, while 30 more are in the process of procurement. In addition, 42 bullet-proof vehicles have been provided and 210 more are being purchased.

Sources said the Naxal attack in Sukma could be probed by the National Investigation Agency and that a final decision was likely to be taken by the home ministry shortly.