Forces gain ground over guerrillas

The second phase of Operation Lalgarh on Friday proved more successful than the first, probably because it was better organised.

Supported by 10 companies of additional central paramilitary forces and guided by helicopters, the combined security force ended the day on a high note after successfully taking control of Kadasol village, one of the rebel bastions.

The systematic planning of the second phase was seen in the adequate backup arrangements that did not allow guerrillas to re-capture territories and spring surprise attacks. During the first phase, the combined forces were often taken aback by sudden attacks that considerably stymied their progress.

However, getting hold of Kadasol was not easy, as the Maoists tried their best to slow down the forces, first, by blasting landmines and then by indiscriminate firing. Though the blast and the firing did pause the march for sometime at 10.30am, it did not halt progress.

That’s because the forces launched quick counter-offensive techniques such as ‘movement by bounds’ and ‘leapfrogging’ which forced the Maoists to retreat from an 8km stretch from Pingboni to Kadasol, the minefield of Maoist activity, so to speak. In movement by bounds, one team clears the field by defusing landmines or obstacles.

Once this is done, the second team ‘leapfrogs’ or rapidly launches a counter-offensive though firing.

According to IG (law & order), Raj Kanojia, the aim is to push Maoists out of a 12km stretch between Pingboni and Ramgarh which includes forest areas and fields held by the rebels. On Saturday, the forces will start early to recapture the remaining 4km stretch to Ramgarh, a task that will be far more difficult.