Naxal Terror Watch

‘Modern weapons ensured peace’

Statesman News Service
KORAPUT, Feb. 6. — The combativeness of police has been increased over the last two years by equipping them with advanced arms besides giving good training.
The efficacy of these measures could be ascertained from the peace prevailing in the district over the last two years, Mr Arun Bothra, the superintendent of police of Koraput, claimed today. He was the chief guest at a meet to observe the second death anniversary of Narasingh Nayak.
Nayak was shot dead by the Naxalites when the district office of the police and its armoury were attacked this day in 2004 by the Maoists. It was an unprecedented operation by the Naxalites and there was no parallel to it even in the pre-Independence era.
The Naxalites who had taken control over the town for hours, looted the district armoury, one of the most protected places, and looted hundreds of weapons. They had held the town to ransom for a few hours before returning to their hideouts.
The SP, however, noted that over the last two years, there had been no Naxalite attacks in Koraput. Asked why the ex gratia grant of Rs 4 lakh had not been paid to the bereaved family of Nayak, the SP replied that it would be given soon.
A two minute silence was observed by students, guests and family members to pay respect to the departed soul.