AP seeks chopper and additional forces to tackle Naxal problem

New Delhi, Feb 19 (UNI) Andhra Pradesh Home Minister K Jana Reddy today attended the meeting of the Empowered Group of Ministers (EGoM) on the Naxal issue here to review the situation in various states of the country.

The meeting presided over by Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil also debated on the need to strengthen intelligence and modernisation of police forces and the issue of information sharing and launching of joint operations in border areas.

Mr Reddy briefed the meeting that extremist problem in the state was 'under control' and his government was carefully following the moves of the Maoist groups.

He sought the Centre to release additional funds for deploying a helicopter for anti-Naxal operations and modernisation of police forces in the state. He also sought funds for Remote Area Development under 'Sam-vikasa Yojana'.

He also requested the Centre to deploy two additional battalions of the central paramilitary forces in AP and sanction raising of two more battalions of India Reserve forces.

UNI