Solar-powered printing press of Maoists destroyed

RAIPUR ; Security forces on Saturday destroyed a solar-powered printing press installed by the outlawed CPI (Maoist) on a mountain top in a remote forest of Madopara in Sukma district. The printing unit was reportedly used to publish documents, statements and other publications of the banned organization.

With acute scarcity of power in the hospitable areas of the conflict zone of Bastar, the Maoists seem to have found out a way to harness the power of the sun using solar plates to generate electricity for their own use.

“During a search operation, the forces found a small printing press set up, powered by portable solar panels. Some printed documents and other publications of the Maoists were traced at the location. This is the first time that the police have found out such a setup used by Maoists,” said a senior police officer.

Acting on a tip-off about the location of Maoist leaders, a joint team of district police force and specially-trained District Reserve Guards (DRG) launched a search operation and reached the area. “The rebels, after being cornered, had opened fire on the troopers.

There was exchange of fire following which the ultras fled. The forces further continued their movement and found the printing press unit, heavy batteries and solar plates on the mountain”, the police said.

As the equipment of the printing machine and batteries were too heavy to be taken back along the rugged, mountainous route, the security forces took the decision to destroy them at the spot and left. In Chhattisgarh, printing press owners have been given an advisory to be wary of printing any material for Maoists or their sympathisers.

Source:newindianexpress