Reports noted that the Indian Air Force (IAF) had asked for permission from the Ministry of Defence to retaliate at Maoists who fire at its helicopters1. The IAF’s request came in the wake of death of an IAF flight engineer, Sergeant Mustafa Ali in a naxal attack on an MI-8 helicopter on November 2008. However, Defence Minister, A.K. Antony stated that no decision has been taken on the matter so far. Mr. Antony added that the government does not want “the direct involvement of our armed forces, whether it is Army or IAF, in anti-naxal operations2.”

• 1. “IAF seeks permission to open fire in naxal areas,” The Hindu, October 2, 2009
• 2. “IAF wants to fire back at Maoist rebel in ‘self-defence’,” The Times of India, October 2, 2009