Dropping broad hints on rules of engagements with Maoists in rebel stronghold of Bastar, where Army has set up jungle warfare and counter-insurgency training camps for its troopers, General Officer Commanding in Chief (GOC), Central Command, Lt. Gen. V.K. Ahluwalia on Tuesday said, “Army will fire in self-defence, if attacked by ultras”.
This was the first time, a senior Army officer made public the rules of engagement with Maoists, if required, in Bastar region.
The Army officer, who was in Chhattisgarh to review progress of training of soldiers in jungle warfare in Bastar jungles, however, said, “We are here for jungle warfare training and not for anti-Naxal operation.”
In an informal chat with reporters here, Mr Ahluwalia, who visited Army training camps in Bastar region on Monday, said, “People of the region have reposed faith in us. We have been able to build a good rapport with the local tribals”.
“I am happy that our mission has taken off in right direction and hope peace and harmony will prevail in the region soon,” Mr Ahluwalia added.