Two IRB to be raised for counter-insurgency operation

Ranchi, Nov 14 (UNI) The Jharkhand government is raising two more Indian Reserve Battalions at insurgency-affected Chaibasa and Chatra districts for which the process of appointment has already begun, Chief Minister Madhu Koda today said.

Mr Koda said the formation of the IRB was mainly aimed at countering insurgency in the state. Each battalion would comprise 1000 personnel.

Addressing a news conference at his official residence here, he said 3100 constables were appointed in the past one year and the process of appointing another 5000 was underway. It would be completed within the next two months.

Yesterday, the government carried out a major reshuffle in the police department, transferring four IPS officers and 11 other Superintendents of Police.

Besides, 28 DSP rank officers were transferred and posted at different district headquarters.

The police reshuffle assumed significance in the wake of a spurt in naxalite strikes in the state recently.

The Chilkhari massacre on October 27, that claimed 20 lives, including that of former chief minister Babulal Marandi's son Anup, forced the home department to chalk out a pro-active strategy to counter insurgency.

UNI