Context:

Ten jawans and a civilian driver, who were returning in a van following an anti-Maoist operation, were killed in a blast caused by an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) in Chhattisgarh’s Dantewada on April 26. 

• It was so forceful, it created a huge crater on the road.

Potential of IEDs:

• IEDs are among the most potent tools deployed by the Maoists. Even a small formation of the Maoists can cause huge damage to the security forces by using an IED. 

Indication by Latest Reports:

• It indicates that the current focus of the Maoists is to intensify the use of booby traps, snipers (with telescopes) and remote IEDs. 
• The technical department of the Maoists seems to have gradually developed technology to remotely blast the IEDs. 

Limitations of detecting IEDs:

• Mine detectors may fail to find IEDs with low metal quantity or planted deep under the road.
• Ground-penetrating radar not always successful and susceptible to generating false alarms.

Violation of International Humanitarian Laws:

• India is a signatory to the Geneva and Hague Conventions which regulate the means employed during warfare, so that casualties are checked.
• The Maoists deliberately and grossly violate international humanitarian laws — the use of landmines is banned internationally as they are non-discriminatory, lack precision and cause unnecessary or excessive suffering.
• It is well known that in addition to the security forces, many civilians, including children, and animals have also been victims of IED attacks. 

Need of the hour:

• As not much research and development has been undertaken in this field, the Central government and industry must join hands to improve technology to detect IEDs. 
• The Central government must amend rules and make the manufacturers accountable for unique identification of detonators.

Way Forward:

• India should raise the issue of Maoist use of IEDs at international platforms to force them to respect international laws and stop using these devices.
• The central government and industry must collaborate to improve IED detection technology and hold manufacturers accountable for unique identification of detonators.
• The use of vehicles should be permitted only after securing the road from ambushes and IEDs. 
• A visual search must be carried out cautiously or deep enough to check the presence of suspicious elements or wire ends. 
• The use of technology such as unmanned aerial vehicles and drones may be useful to check suspicious movement, but the security forces need to improve their tactics too.                         

  News Source: The Hindu

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