Maharashtra plans to keep central forces in Naxal areas

In the wake of recent Naxal attacks in Gadchiroli district of the state, Maharashtra government is planning to retain central forces even after the assembly elections.

In the wake of recent Naxal attacks in Gadchiroli district of the state, Maharashtra government is planning to retain central forces even after the assembly elections.

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The state machinery for the security arrangements for assembly polls is using large number of central paramilitary forces.

But DGP (elections) A N Roy told PTI that even afterwards, these forces would be retained.

"We are proposing to keep central forces even after the election process is over to conduct anti-naxal operations," Roy said.

A private TV channel had reported that some 8,000 CRPF and BSF jawans are being drawn for anti-Naxal operations.

Roy, however, refused to divulge the number, or to name any particular central paramilitary force.

Naxalites are active in forested areas on Maharashtra's border with Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh.

On October 8, 17 policemen were killed in a Naxal attack in Gadchiroli.