CRPF to set up own intelligence unit to facilitate terror ops

New Delhi, Oct 24 (UNI) With expanding areas of operation against terror outfits, the Central Reserve Police Force's long pending demand of having its own intelligence wing has met with success with the Home Ministry giving it the go-ahead.

The 'intelligence wing' idea which had been floating for quite some time due to financial constraints has received the go-ahead from the ministry, CRPF Director General J K Sinha told mediapersons.

''However, the set-up would have to be resourced through our own finances which we are trying to manage.'' This was necessary in order to go for independent operations against naxals or other terror groups in Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Bihar or Kashmir, he said, adding with this ''we would not be totally dependent on others.'' Disagreeing with the emerging notion of disbanding the 'Salva Judum' force, Mr Sinha said this would kill the very prospect of people joining hands with security forces in fighting terror -- of any kind.

''I see the 'Salva Judum', which is a big asset to the local police, as a positive activity in fighting the naxals. The important thing is how to use it and convert it into our favour.'' If it is disbanded, they would be the target of the naxals which would have a devastating impact on the society, he said.

''What could be done is that instead of keeping them in the forefront to fight the Naxals, the security forces take the lead while keeping them in the background.'' The DG also informed that the shell manufacturing units, raided after the recent seizure of nearly 800 empty shells by the Andhra Pradesh Police, were functioning as agricultural tools manufacturing units.

''We have arrested the couple which was making the shells and efforts were on to hunt down others involved in its manufacturing and supplying to the Naxals besides the source of the explosives.'' Forces have been sensitised on the issue and tactical changes introduced in training to tackle the new development, he said.

On 'spies' within the CRPF, Mr Sinha said a proper monitoring and detection exercise was in place to check and verify any untoward or suspicious activity.

''An internal vigilance set-up was in place with safety mechanisms and random checks to monitor the force's personnel.'' UNI AN BDP BD1759