Patna, June 12: The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), which is fighting Maoists across the state, has decided to intensify operations in the state.
A meeting in this connection was held at the 205 Cobra Battalion headquarters in Gaya and a second one at inspector-general (operations) Kundan Krishnan's office in Patna. K Vijay Kumar (IPS), who is special security adviser, Naxal operations, chaired the meeting attended by Intelligence Bureau (IB) joint director Vivek Srivastava, CRPF (IG) M.S. Bhatia and IG (operations) Kundan Krishnan among others. The senior officers decided to intensify operations against the Maoists and also issued necessary guidelines for personnel to conduct patrolling in the forest.
The officials passed necessary guidelines on how to avert IED blasts, through which Maoists inflict maximum damage. Personnel were asked to strengthen their intelligence network so that IED blasts can be averted. The personnel were also asked to build cordial relations with village residents and build trust. Senior officials also said that apart from intensifying operations in Maoist areas, efforts should be made to nab rebel commanders.
Guidelines were issued on how security personnel should carry out operations in forest areas. The meeting assumes importance, as according to CRPF sources three pockets - the Jamui/Nawada/Giridih (triangular section), Gaya Aurangabad section and Lakhisarai/ Munger/Banka/Jamui section - are still under Maoist influence. Sources said some Maoist leaders have been active in these areas for decades.
Seven battalions of the CRPF are deputed in Bihar, mostly in Maoist areas.
Five of those battalions do general duty and two are posted as Cobra battalions. There are around 1,000 security forces in a battalion.