Patna: The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) ad hoc training centre at Mokamaghat on Monday hosted the passing out parade-cum-attestation ceremony of the first batch recruits in Mokama, 82km east of Patna.

CRPF inspector-general (Bihar) MS Bhatia was the chief guest at the ceremony.

A total of 485 new recruits, who underwent 44 weeks of rigorous training at the CRPF camp, will be deployed in the Naxalite-hit areas of Bihar, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and Jammu & Kashmir.

The new recruits, apart from undergoing various physical endurance tests, went through the use of sophisticated weapons such as AK-47, Insas Rifle, X95 firearms, underbarrel grenade launchers, Carl Gustaf recoilless rifle weapons and others. The X95 is an innovative three-calibre firearm developed by Israel and can be used as assault rifle, carbine or submachine gun.

Speaking on the occasion, Bhatia said: "The new CRPF recruits will be deputed in highly sensitive areas."

He asked the recruits to develop intelligence networks, as such networks help the security forces to check Naxalite activities in villages and jungles. The CRPF IG also informed the recruits about the various anti-Naxalite operations being carried out by security forces in Bihar.

"The security forces have successfully checked Red operations in Gaya/Aurangabad region but there has been stray incidents when rebels have attacked security forces. The CRPF personnel have to identify such Naxalite groups and intensify operations against them," added Bhatia.

At the parade, the recruits presented a march-past on the tune of the CRPF anthem.

The best cadet (jawan) award was presented to several jawans.

The all-round best trophy award was given to Satish Kumar, while the best indoor trophy award went to Prince Ranjan Kumar, best outdoor trophy award went to Saurabh Kumar.