Gadchiroli:
They struck before the elections, during the elections and even just hours before the new government was going to be formed.
On Friday, the families of the 16 policemen killed in a Naxal attack in Maharashtra, mourned their deaths at the Gadchiroli Police Ground. But their death is a reminder of one of the biggest challenges that the new government faces.
Among the 16 police Constables killed were some of Maharashtra's most seasoned anti-Naxal campaigners. But on Thursday night, ambushed by nearly a 100 Naxals, they were hopelessly outnumbered.
And it all happened in the forests of Hattitola in Dhanora near the Maharashtra-Chhattisgarh border. The burnt police jeep is a standing reminder to those who are now hunting for the militants.
In the forests of Hattigota, on the road to Chhattisgarh, the police have launched combing operations. This is the third attack this year.
In February 15 policemen were killed in an ambush and now the state government admits it needs reinforcements.
"Like Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand, we too want Central forces," Maharashtra Home Minister Jayant Patil said.
The state government has announced Rs 25 lakh in compensation and jobs for the bereaved. But it will have to focus on repairing the morale of its men along with the need of a focused strategy to deal with the Naxals.