More Centre's help sought in combating naxalism in Mahrashtra

New Delhi, Apr 13 (UNI) In order to combat naxalism in Maharashtra, the state Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh today urged the Centre to provide more funds for raising two CRPF battalions, provide one battalion of Territorial Army and make available a helicopter in Nagpur for emergency and relief operations.

Addressing the second standing committe meeting of Chief Ministers' on naxalism here, Mr Deshmukh said as Maharashtra is part of the Inter State Joint Task Force with Andhra Pradesh, Chattisgarh, Orissa and Madhya Pradesh there is an urgent need for a helicopter base with Indian Air Force (IAF) trained staff for conducting Anti-Naxal Operations.

The Border Road organisation (BRO) which is undertaking the work of roads and bridges in Gadchiroli is unable to carry out its work at normal pace due to naxalite activities, Mr Deshmukh said.

The BRO has asked for adequate security but the State Government is not in a position to provide it in the wake of its own limited manpower resources, he added.

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