Bhubaneswar, June 14: Orissa today demanded deployment of two more battalions of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) to counter growing Maoist menace in the state.
The demand was put forth by chief minister Naveen Patnaik at the inter-state coordination meeting, which was chaired by Union home minister P Chidambaram, in Delhi to combat left-wing extremism.
At present, seven CRPF battalions and five BSF battalions have been deployed in Maoist-hit areas of the state. Besides, the state government has raised specially-trained special operation group to combat the ultras.
Naveen urged the union home minister to substantially increase financial assistance for improving security related infrastructure for the state police forces.
The chief minister underscored the need for continuously improving coordination among all states affected by left-wing extremism.
Patnaik also urged for inclusion of four more districts (Nuapada, Bargarh, Bolangir and Kalahandi) under the security related expenditure (SRE) scheme.
Fifteen districts (Malkangiri, Nabarangpur, Koraput, Rayagada, Sundargarh, Ganjam, Nayagarh, Kandhamal, Sambalpur, Deogarh, Dhenkanal, Jajpur, Keonjhar and Mayurbhanj) have already been covered under the SRE scheme. Under the SRE scheme, the expenditure on the deployment of central para-military forces and other expenses are reimbursed by the Centre.
The chief minister also sought a dedicated helicopter for state police and deputation of officers from central para-military forces to work with the state police on anti-Naxal operations. Chidambaram assured that the demands of Orissa would receive favourable consideration of the home ministry at the earliest, said an official release issued by the state government.
Orissa has emerged as one of the major Maoist-hit states with the rebel activities spreading to 19 out of total 30 districts.
Official sources said the state government initiated several measures to contain the Maoist menace. A unified command has been set up, headed by the chief secretary, to monitor the anti-Naxal operations the state. An inter-state joint task force has also been set up with the neighbouring Andhra Pradesh and Jharkhand to take up joint anti-Maoist operations on the inter-state borders, sources said. The state government has decided to enhance the strength of special operation group, which has been on the forefront of anti-Maoist operations, by creating 1,609 more posts, he said.
About 5,300 tribal youths have been engaged as special police officers in the Naxal-affected districts. They would be absorbed as constables after completion of three years of satisfactory service.