11:22 GMT, October 7, 2009 According to DD India, the Indian Government said on Wednesday that the Indian Air Force will take adequate counter-measures to protect its choppers and pilots from Naxal attacks.

"The IAF will take adequate counter-measures," Home Minister P Chidambaram said on Wednesday when asked about IAF seeking permission from the Defence Ministry to open fire at Naxals if its helicopters or air crew came under attack.

However, the Home Minister refused to reveal any details.

Chidambaram said an IAF helicopter was fired at by the Maoists a few weeks back in Chhattisgarh.

Air Chief Marshal P V Naik had said the IAF had sought permission from the Defence Ministry to open fire in self-defence if its helicopters or air crew operating in the Maoist-infested areas came under attack.