India launches anti-Maoist operation: India has launched a large offensive against the rebel Maoist groups in five states – West Bengal, Jharakhand, Orissa, Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra. The new operation, according to Home Minister P Chidambaram, is aimed at reasserting “the authority of the civil administration” in the affected areas, and arresting top leaders. The Indian government had in the past repeatedly called upon the Naxalite-Maoists rebels to end the violence, and enter into talks to resolve grievances. However, the groups have failed to do so. The operation is so far being termed as satisfactory by the Home Minister.
Naxalite-Maoists groups rebelling against underdevelopment and neglect of tribal areas have been involved in violent attacks on police and other representatives of the state machinery. Their attacks kill hundreds of policemen and innocents each year. The movement that began in the 1960s has spread across many states of India and threatens to destabilize the country.
Indian airlines and airports put on high security alert: Following intelligence reports of the possibility of a hijacking, Indian airlines and airports have been put on high security alert. The Times of India reports, “terrorist groups having allegiance with al-Qaida, Lashker-e-Taiba and Jamat-ul-Dawa were planning to hijack an Air India plane especially operating in or from SAARC countries — Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Maldives, Afghanistan, Pakistan and India as well.” Airports in these countries have also been requested to tighten security measures, and sky marshals are to be deployed on flights between these countries.
Red flags were also raised by reports of significant para-gliding equipment procured by Lashkar e-Taiba (LeT). The LeT has previously masterminded numerous attacks on Indian territory, including the Mumbai attacks in 2008 that killed at least 160 people.
