Naxal Rebels Release Three Abducted Policemen in Eastern India

Strategic Insights -

Naxal rebels have released three abducted policemen in the eastern Indian state of Bihar, ending a nine-day hostage situation. The rebels had initially demanded the release of eight of their jailed comrades in exchange for the policemen's lives. However, the state government refused to comply with the demand, leading to the rebels killing one of the policemen. The release of the remaining three policemen came after security forces launched intense search operations and arrested seven Naxals in the area.

Key Takeaways:

  • Three policemen, Abhay Prasad Yadav, Rupesh Kumar Sinha, and Ehshan Khan, were released by Naxal rebels after being held hostage for nearly nine days.
  • The rebels had initially killed one of the policemen, and had threatened to kill the remaining three unless eight of their jailed comrades were released.
  • The state government refused to comply with the rebels' demand, leading to a prolonged hostage situation.
  • Security forces launched intense search operations and arrested seven Naxals in the area, which ultimately led to the release of the three policemen.
  • Over 200 security personnel have been killed in Bihar by Naxal rebels in the first six months of the year.
  • The Naxalite insurgency has been termed by Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh as the country's biggest internal security challenge.

Statistics:

  • 3: Number of policemen released by Naxal rebels after being held hostage for nearly nine days.
  • 9: Number of days the policemen were held hostage by the Naxal rebels.
  • 8: Number of Naxal comrades the rebels had demanded be released in exchange for the policemen's lives.
  • 7: Number of Naxals arrested by security forces during intense search operations in the hills and forests of the district.
  • 200: Number of security personnel killed in Bihar by Naxalite rebels in the first six months of the year.

Sources:

  • Xinhua News Agency, "Naxal rebels release three abducted policemen in eastern India", Sep 06, 2010 (via COMTEX)