The reason: it is well aware of the brewing discontent among its force, which lacks proper infrastructure to combat Maoists in guerrilla warfare in Jangalmahal.

Adding to this is Gorkha Janamukti Morcha’s support to the protesting family members of the personnel.

“One has to deal with the situation keeping in mind that the families are in mourning, and it is normal that they will vent their anguish,” said Manoj Verma, Superintendent of Police of East Midnapore.

“We are constantly trying to provide them with necessary support and are trying to share their grief,” added Verma.

A senior police officer was more forthright in reasoning the government’s “soft appraoch” to the protests. “It just needs a spark to start the fire. The personnel are already outraged. We should not do something that will lead to a virtual revolt in the ranks. The situation is already tense,” the officer said.

The government, therefore, did not take action against a section of EFR personnel who protested in plain clothes along with their family members after Maoists killed 24 personnel in Silda.