Air power use against Maoist on meeting agenda

Defence Minister A K Antony yesterday said the government will thoroughly discuss the use of air power for fighting Maoists, and added that the decision would be binding on all, including the defence ministry.
"I will not entertain a public debate on this. The strategy is not to be debated in public. Government will discuss thoroughly, then ultimately government will take a decision. That decision will be binding on everybody, including the Ministry of Defence," Antony said.
Earlier on Wednesday, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh had said air power could not be used to attack the insurgents as it may result in major collateral damage.
Reacting to a question about the use of air strikes against the rebels, Singh said air power could not be used to attack the insurgents as it may result in major collateral damage. He, however, favoured the use of helicopters.