New Delhi: Security forces deployed in the
Naxal corridor are now reporting huge seizures of
contraceptives and abortion kits from Maoist hideouts and
suspect these to have been pilfered from state-run primary
health centres and dispensaries.
While the forces have been intermittently coming across
stocks of male condoms and contraceptive pills after Naxal
raids in various states, a recent operation by the Border
Security Force (BSF) in Orrisa's Koraput district has resulted
in seizure of "abortifacient kits" and pregnancy test devices
leaving the force and local police puzzled over their source.
An abortifacient kit is one which is used to induce
abortion.
The operation in the jungles of Shikhapalli in
mid-January resulted in the seizure of 50 male condom pouches,
10 packets of contraceptive pills, an abortifacient kit and a
separate packet of emergency contraceptive pills, apart from
the regular seizures of ammunition and IEDs.
Security forces like CRPF, ITBP and state police units
have earlier reported seizing contraceptive material from
Naxal hideouts and have informed the Union Home Ministry of
these developments.
"The condoms and contraceptive pills are of 'Nirodh' and
'Mala D' variety which are distributed either free or at highy
subsidised rates by various state governments at their primary
health centres. The other emergency pills and abortion kits
too can be obtained from health centres," said a senior
official privy to the seizures being reported in anti-naxal
operations.
"While the seizure of these devices and medicines is
usual among Maoists as they have women cadre, it is essential
to know how are they being procured by the ultras. Till now
they have been many incidents of arms and ration looting and
pilferage but this is new," the official said.
The official said the latest seizure and others are now
in the custody of various state police departments and a probe
is on to find the source of their procurement.
"There could also be a possibility of Maoists taking the
help of their associates to procure these items from health
centres or over the counter but nothing has been found
conclusively," the official added.
PTI
First Published: Sunday, January 29, 2012, 14:02