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Govt to deploy dedicated teams of security personnel to target top Maoists
The government has decided to replicate its success of eliminating top militants in Jammu and Kashmir in left wing extremism affected states.
The government on Friday decided to deploy dedicated teams of security personnel to target the top Maoist leadership and also launch offensive operations in the tri-junction of Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu to contain the Red rebels.
Chaired by Union home minister Rajnath Singh, the meeting also reviewed the status of development projects and security related issues in Left Wing Extremism (LWE) affected states.
“Formation of dedicated teams for targeting top militants in Jammu and Kashmir has shown results. Similar tactic will be employed in the LWE areas to go after the top leadership of Maoists,” said a home ministry official following the meeting.
During the meeting, the ministry also took stock of increasing Maoist activities in the bordering areas of Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.
“It has been decided to launch more offensive operations in the area to contain their activities,” said the official.
Read more: Chhattisgarh: CRPF to enhance strength, firepower in Maoist-hit Bastar for area domination
According to a home ministry spokesman, Rajnath Singh instructed that the multipronged strategy comprising of security, development, ensuring rights and entitlements of local communities should be vigorously pursued.
The home minister was informed that central security forces have increased intelligence-led operations with better coordination with the state police after three dozen security personnel were killed in two deadly Maoist attacks in March and April in Chhattisgarh.
“But the central forces want at least 33% component should consist of state police personnel in any team that is employed in anti-Maoist operation. But the Chhattisgarh police has said although it is providing more personnel for operations, taking it to 33% is not possible as of now,” added the official.
On improving the air connectivity in the LWE areas, the home minister was informed that the Jagdalpur airport in Chhattisgarh will be operational shortly under Regional Connectivity Scheme. The government is also intends to connect Jeypore airstrip in Odisha under this scheme, said the spokesman.
