‘Operation Flush Out’ launched against Maoists in Bihar

PATNA: CRPF and CoBRA and a unit of STF have jointly launched a massive operation, code named, ‘Operation Flush Out’ in the dense forests located at the tri-junction of Jamui, Lakhisarai and Munger districts to drive out Maoists who are giving sleepless nights to security forces.
Earlier, the same kind of exercise was carried out in Chakarbanda forests on the borders of central Bihar districts like Gaya and Aurangabad few years back.Now the area is completely dominated by security forces. Recently, Maoists tried to carry out their sinister activities through women members. They also launched an attack from a hill top in Aurangabab district but the security forces used grenade launcher to counter the attack in which an important woman member of the CPI (Maoists) was killed. As a retaliatory move, the Maoists had recently given a two-day bandh call.
In a similar fashion, sources said, security forces have launched a drive in the eastern parts of Bihar. The entire operation is being monitored by IG, CRPF, Bihar zone, Arun Kumar. Apart from driving out Maoists, the purpose is also to sanitise the area before assembly elections in Bihar scheduled to take place in September-October this year.
Forces are trudging 8-10 km per day in the hilly terrains covered with dense foliage. Forces are also accompanied by six trained dogs in the severe heat wave. “We have to accomplish the task,” said the IG and added that most of the Maoists have sneaked into Jharkhand fearing attack from forces. Scorching heat has taken its toll on a tracker dog, a Labrador named Zoro, while moving on the outskirts of Nawada district. As per the tradition of security forces, when a dog dies during operation, he is also given customary salute and a wreath is placed. The same was done with Zoro.
Though the operation was earlier meant for six days only, if required it could be extended further, sources said. Forces, however, are tightlipped about the recoveries made during the operation as it will be announced by the IG after the end of the operation.