Saranda Forest Sees Naxalite Retaliation with Airtel Tower Arson

The tranquility of West Singhbhum’s Saranda forest has been shattered by a resurgence of Naxalite violence. During their declared ‘Resistance Week,’ armed Naxal cadres launched an attack on Saturday night, burning down an Airtel mobile communication tower in Kolbonga village, under the Jaraikela police station. Sources indicate that approximately twenty Naxalites, armed with weapons, arrived at the village late at night. They proceeded to douse the tower’s operational equipment with petrol and set it on fire, resulting in its complete destruction. Following the arson, the group reportedly chanted slogans, aiming to broadcast their message and intimidate the local populace. Residents suspect that the Naxalites’ aim was to sever communication lines, thereby impeding the movement and surveillance capabilities of security forces in the area. The incident has created an atmosphere of terror in Kolbonga and nearby villages. Authorities have assured that a comprehensive investigation is being conducted. This destruction of the Airtel tower is being viewed as the most substantial action undertaken by Naxalites during their current ‘Resistance Week’ initiative, spanning October 8th to 14th. This event follows a recent increase in Naxal activities in the Saranda region, including a series of IED blasts targeting security forces. Tragically, these earlier attacks resulted in the martyrdom of one soldier and severe injuries to two others, who are currently hospitalized.