Security Tightened in Palamu Tiger Reserve After Maoist Sighting
Security forces in Jharkhand's Latehar district have significantly intensified patrols and search operations within the dense forests of the southern division of the Palamu Tiger Reserve (PTR). This decisive action comes in direct response to recent intelligence reports confirming the movement of an armed Maoist squad in the ecologically sensitive area.
Joint Forces Mobilize for Jungle Combing Operation
Superintendent of Police (SP) Kumar Gaurav, addressing the situation on Wednesday, confirmed the deployment of a powerful joint team comprising district armed police, the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). These forces are currently scouring the jungles to locate and apprehend the extremists.
Police have successfully identified five Maoists who are believed to be part of this squad. The individuals have been named as Mirtunjay Bhuiyan, Raju Bhuiyan, Babloo Ram, Ujjawal, and Sukh Lal Birjiya.
According to SP Gaurav, the primary motive of this squad is likely to extort money from contractors involved in various development projects taking place in and around the reserve forest. "We are working out detailed plans to nab them," the senior police official asserted, highlighting the seriousness with which the threat is being treated.
Operation Focuses on Specific Forest Areas and Wider Implications
Officials have pinpointed the specific jungle areas where the Maoist squad is known to operate. These include the forest ranges of Douna, Aadhey, Pahar Kocha, and certain parts of Kumandee, which fall under the northern division of the PTR.
The PTR management has also been alerted to the potential security risk. As a precautionary measure, the reserve's field director, S R Natesh, has instructed all forest staff to remain extra vigilant during their field trips and routine patrols. However, Natesh expressed confidence in his team, stating, "Our boys know their job well. The conservation of wildlife remains our primary focus, and we have so far faced no major issues from this development." This incident underscores the ongoing security challenges in the forested regions of Jharkhand, where development and conservation efforts must often navigate complex law and order situations.
