Imphal, April 15 2009: Claiming that the operation is being carried out with a human face, another press release from the PIB (Defnece Wing) stated that a number of queries are being raised with regard to possible collateral damage caused due to Operation Summer Storm.

In order to prevent collateral damage speculative fire which involves spraying the area with bullets has not been resorted to during these operations.

Fire when brought down was always in retaliation to that of the UGs and with pin point accurancey.

This therefore precludes the possibility of any killing of the Sangai deer, an endangered species in the sanctuary, the press release stated.

It further pointed out that in order to ensure the safety of the civilians, villagers have been cautioned to keep away from the areas where they are likely to come under cross fire during the operations.

Relief camps to supply food and water to the fishermen and villagers, whose livelihood depends on Loktak Lake, have been opened by the Army.

The press release also stated that troops involved in the operations were under strict order not to open fire on any woman or child even if they were seen with the UGs.

This aspect was evident in an incident which took place in the evening of April 13 in general area Khordak.

A fire fight was underway where the UGs were trying to break the Army cordon and had pushed a woman and child in front of them as a human shield.

The firing by Army men was halted immediately and the woman and child were escorted out of the Pat and taken to police station Kumbi.

It was revealed later that she was the wife of a senior PREPAK cadre.

The incident has already been covered by a number of newspapers.

It said, Forest officials have been advised not to enter the sanctuary only for their personal safety.

They have been assured that due caution is being exercised to prevent any damage to the bio-diversity of the Loktak lake and safety of the wild life.

It needs to be reiterated that the Army understands the needs of the people and always works with the singular aim of their well being, the press release asserted.