No request for help so far: Air chief

ALLAHABAD - Indian Air Force chief P.V. Naik Monday said the home ministry had so far not approached him for any type of help in combating Maoists.

“The decision to use air power to combat Naxals (Maoists) is up to the central government. However, the home ministry has not approached us for launching any kind of operation against the Naxals,” Naik told reporters at a press conference here.

“Any decision to use air power must follow a clear strategy aimed to minimize the collateral damage,” he added.

Asked his personal opinion on using air power against the left-wing rebels, Naik said he was of the view that the armed forces were not required against them.

“The state and central forces are equipped to handle such a situation,” he said, adding that, however, the armed forces were “all prepared to tackle any challenge related to the country’s internal security”.