Bokaro, Jan. 16:In a bid to boost the offensive against the Maoists who are on the run from the coalbelt, IG, B.B. Pradhan, has identified 51 police stations to be equipped with satellite phones.
These include the police stations of Bokaro, Dhanbad, Hazaribagh Girdih, Koderma and Chatra. The aim is to crush rebels who have taken shelter in the forests where mobile phones are ineffective.
“Once these satellite phones with powerful wireless sets, sophisticated weapons and aerial support become operational, the days of the Naxalites would be numbered,” said Pradhan.
An urgent supply of 130 land mine detector vehicles has also been ordered to the Indian ordinance factory to help detect underground explosives planted by Maoists.
Talking exclusively to The Telegraph today, Pradhan explained his strategy.
“Long-range patrolling will be increased and aerial surveillance of the entire coal belt will follow from time to time,” he said.
His top priority also includes breaking the nexus between Naxalites and the levy payers who provide financial support to the rebels on a regular basis for the purchase of arms and explosives from other states, he said.