Date:10/06/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/06/10/stories/2008061053860500.htm

Andhra Pradesh

Maoists introduce new mines

Special Correspondent

The impact of pipe mines and coupling mines can cause more deaths, says SP

VISAKAHPATNAM: For the first time, the banned CPI (M) has tried to use pipe mines and coupling mines in the Visakha Agency area. They were found in a big dump unearthed near Gunukurayi on Saturday last.

The district police on Monday put on display the contents of the dump unearthed during a combing operation at a spot about 2 km from the place where an encounter took place between the Greyhound constables and naxalites on May 28. A Greyhounds Head Constable and four Maoists were killed in the encounter, Superintendent of Police Akun Sabharwal said.

There were 20 coupling mines (with explosives packed in the couplings used by plumbers), eight pipe mines, nine soap bombs, 70 detonators and 1,000-metre-long electrical wire in the dump. (Pipe mines are used by Maoists in Telangana area but have been found in Visakha Agency for the first time).

Dr. Sabharwal, while explaining to the reporters how the devices would be set off, said the impact of coupling mines and pipe mines was more and could cause more deaths.

Battery power was used to set off these two kinds of mines but they would also get activated due to lightning and thunder.

“Such dangerous mines were near a road used by people but fortunately the District Special Police Party could locate them. It is unfortunate that the Maoists who claim that they are fighting for the people, placed such explosive material near the roads,” the SP said.

He appreciated the District Special Police Party for unearthing the dump having dangerous mines.

Additional S.P. Kranti Rana Tata and others were present.