Naxalites Torch Airtel Tower in Jharkhand’s Saranda Forest

Residents of West Singhbhum district are once again facing the threat of Naxalite activity, as insurgents targeted a mobile tower in the dense Saranda forest. During their ‘Resistance Week,’ a group of armed Naxalites set fire to an Airtel company mobile tower located in Kolbonga village, under Jaraikela police station, on Saturday night. Local villagers reported that approximately twenty armed individuals arrived late at night, doused the equipment at the base of the tower with petrol, and ignited it. The entire setup was engulfed in flames and reduced to ashes. Following the attack, the Naxalites engaged in slogans and aimed to reassert their presence in the region. Villagers believe the motive behind this act was to disrupt communication networks, thereby hindering the movement and intelligence gathering of security forces. A palpable sense of fear has gripped Kolbonga and surrounding villages since the incident. Authorities have confirmed an investigation is underway into the matter. This incident marks a significant escalation during the Naxalites’ declared Resistance Week, observed from October 8th to 14th. Naxalite movements have been on the rise in the Saranda area, with recent IED attacks on security personnel resulting in the loss of one jawan and serious injuries to two others, who are currently receiving medical attention.