Now police reinforcements have been sent again to instill confidence among those en gaged in constructing the bridge. "Additional forces have been sent for carrying out combing operations and also to provide security to those engaged in the work," Range IG Kirshna Choudhury said. Sources in the police said the Naxals had planned to blow up the under-con struction bridge, but failed.

While reports said the Naxals were demanding money as levy for the construction work, posters put up by the Naxals said the attack was a punishment for not paying workers their proper wages. Earlier too, the Naxals had put up posters directing the concerned construction com pany to get in touch with them before starting work. Once ready, the bridge will act as a lifeline for the people in the region that is annually rav aged by flash floods. It has been under con struction since 2001.

It may be noted that for almost all develop ment projects being undertaken in their areas of influence, the Naxals have been putting up road blocks. According to the police, the Nax als are opposing physical infrastructure as it will allow easy accessibility to their hideouts. Lack of roads and bridges, according to the police, are major deterrents in carrying out anti-Naxal operations.