IAF to deploy commandos in choppers flying in Naxal-hit areas

Hindon (UP), Oct 8 (PTI) The IAF (Indian Air Force) on
Thursday said it will deploy its commando units to defend its
helicopters and men on board in Naxal-infested areas, but made
it clear that they would not carry out any "rambo-style"
operation against the Maoists.
IAF chief Air Chief Marshal P V Naik told reporters here
that the Garud special forces would be present in the
helicopters flying in Maoist-hit areas for rescue operations
and would defend their personnel and equipment by warding-off
attacks by Naxals on them.
"It is not a free for all like 'rambo' that we will go and
fire in the countryside. The helicopters operating for
casualty evacuation will be mounted with guns and the Garud
force will man them," Naik said on the sidelines of the 77th
Air Force Day parade here in the northern Indian state Uttar
Pradesh.
Asked about the IAF request to the government to allow
opening of fire in self-defence, he said the Cabinet Committee
on Security will decide the matter.
"I want to reiterate that I am totally against armed
forces -- Army, Navy and Air Force -- being used in internal
situations. We are meant to defend threats from across the
border," he said.
Naik, however, said, "If the states requires any help we
are always there to give it in terms of casualty evacuation
and insertion (of security forces)."
Referring to the killing of an IAF personnel in a Naxal
attack on a helicopter during Chattisgarh Assembly elections
last year, Naik said this made the IAF request the Defence
Ministry to permit it to open fire in self-defence.
He said the request was to ensure that the IAF could
protect its personnel and platforms and suppress the fire
coming on to a helicopter.
"We are not indulging in any armed aggression against any
citizen of India. We would only like to undertake operations
to protect our helicopters and men and women who fly these
(air) hospitals," he said.
Stating that the helicopter's commander should give
permission to open fire in case of a decision by the CCS, Naik
said, "There will be very stringent stipulations to help
identify where the fire is coming from, and where to use
minimum force to ensure minimum collateral damage."
He maintained that the Air Force was not deploying its
armed helicopters or aircraft to bomb any area in Naxalite-
affected regions. PTI NCB
JVN