Govt likely to rope in two more central forces against naxals

In a signal that naxalism will be tackled with an iron hand, the Centre may soon rope in the services of two more para-military forces to counter Left-wing extremism along with the CRPF, which is already deployed to deal with the menace.

In a signal that naxalism will be tackled with an iron hand, the Centre may soon rope in the services of two more para-military forces to counter Left-wing extremism along with the CRPF, which is already deployed to deal with the menace.

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Sources in the Home Ministry said a combined team of CRPF, BSF and ITBP is likely to be set up to undertake special operations in Naxal-infested areas.

The proposal which had been pending for some time received a push in the wake of widespread Naxal violence during the Lok Sabha polls, when left-wing extremists used rocket launchers for the first time.

Sources said a meeting was recently held in the ministry to chalk out a new strategy which also included possibility of increasing more personnel on the ground.

The CRPF, which has been fighting the naxals along with state police forces, did not have any more men to offer till its newly created 10,000 personnel strong special force - Combat Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA) - completed recruitment and training.

The Home Ministry had then approached other paramilitary forces to know whether they could give additional personnel to take on the Naxals and the BSF and ITBP replied in the affirmative.