Question : EVACUATION OPERATION BY IAF

(a) whether the Government has launched any probe into the conduct of personnel of the Indian Air Force who abandoned an injured policeman in Chhattisgarh during an anti-naxal operation;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether Standard Operation Procedures (SOPs) of the Army and Air Force have guidelines laid out for a joint operation with domestic forces such as the police, CRPF, etc. especially during anti-naxal operations;

(d) if so, the details thereof; and

(e) if not, the reasons therefor? ANSW ER

MINISTER OF DEFENCE (SHRI A.K. ANTONY)

(a) & (b):A Court of Inquiry is in progress to inquire into the incident.

(c) to (e):Standard Operation Procedures have been formulated for operations of Indian Air Force in support of Police and Central Para Military Forces in logistics support for anti-naxal operations. All missions are planned and executed in close co-ordination with Inspector Generals, Central Armed Police Forces of Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand. Army has no role in anti-naxal operations.