Two BSNL engineers injured in Maoist blast in Chhattisgarh

BIJAPUR - Suspected Maoists triggered a pressure bomb blast in Chhattisgarh’s Bijapur District, which caused serious injuries to two engineers of the Central Government owned telecommunications company Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL).

It is reported that the Maoists first cut the cable link from the spot so as to hamper any possible communication with others and planted the pressure explosives.

Consequently, a team of engineers and technicians were summoned to rectify the line and the pressure bomb blasted injuring two of the engineers severely.

The injured have been admitted in a district hospital for further treatment.

“The workers came from Dantewada to fix the cable, through which the phone lines work, after which this incident took place and one person was injured,” said Shekhar Dhruv, an engineer, BSNL.

Dr. Budhram Pujari, Medical Officer at the Bijapur District Hospital said one of the persons injured is in a critical condition and hence would be sent to a bigger hospital for further treatment.

“Two persons have been brought here, to this hospital. Raju’s (injured engineer) condition is very critical. The treatment is still going on. We still have to check whether or not he has some internal injuries. We will send him to a bigger hospital,” said Dr. Budhram Pujari.

Earlier on April 23, three Maoists had surrendered to the police here.

Union Home Minister P Chidambaram has said the government would continue to follow a two-pronged approach on Naxal problem.

“Government will continue to follow its two-pronged approach of development and calibrated police action to deal with the Naxal problem,” Chidambaram said.

He said the debate on what should take place first- development or police action- is misplaced.

“The decision will vary from situation to situation and from State to State and no fixed prescription is possible. In some areas, it may be possible to undertake some developmental activities, to be followed immediately by steps to strengthen security and in other areas, it may be necessary to first launch police action to regain control of the territory, followed by vigorous developmental activities,” Chidambaram said. (ANI)