Maoists' New Tactics: Diwali Crackers and Incense Sticks in Naxal Attacks

Maoists have begun using Diwali crackers and incense sticks as new tools to attack security forces' camps in remote areas. Notably, during an attack on September 25 at the CRPF camp in Kothagudem, Telangana, these improvised tools were used to divert troops' attention and launch gunfire and rocket attacks.

Maoists are employing Diwali crackers and incense sticks as new weapons to assault security forces' camps in remote Left wing extremism-affected regions of the country, as reported by official sources.

This innovative method, observed prominently around the Pusuguppa camp of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) in Telangana on September 25, uses incense sticks to time the explosion of crackers, diverting the troops' focus to pave the way for rocket and gunfire attacks.

A senior officer explained that during an evening attack, troops heard blasts and saw smoke about 200 meters from their base. As they prepared for a Naxal assault, they were met with gunfire and improvised rockets from hidden Maoists. The CRPF retaliated, and the skirmish lasted 45 minutes before the Maoists retreated.

(With inputs from agencies.)