Orissa seeks seven CRPF batallions to tackle Naxals

In the wake of increased Maoist activities, the Orissa Government has placed before the Centre a list of demands including young paramilitary officers to train its men, helicopters and grants for setting up a anti-Naxal training centre.

During the meeting with Union Home Minister P Chidambaram, who is on a two-day visit to Orissa, state government officials sought seven more battalions (about 7,000 troops) of Central Reserve Police Force to tackle Left wing extremists. "Out of seven battalions, four (about 4,000 men) will be for regular deployment and three (3,000 troops) for conducting operations against Naxals," official sources said.

The officials have told Chidambaram that the state needs young officers of the rank of assistant commandants or deputy commandants of paramilitary forces to impart training to its men. Hours before the Home Minister's visit to the Koraput district on Thursday, Maoists blew up three mobile towers and a railway station and cut off road communication to Narayanpatna block in the district trapping nearly 400 security personnel, including those from CRPF.