Unified command to coordinate anti-naxalite operations in Chhattisga

Raipur, Feb 14 (UNI) Union home minister Shivraj Patil today said a unified command would be established to coordinate the functioning of the central and state security forces engaged in anti-naxalite operations in Chhattisgarh.

''Chhattisgarh chief minister will chair the unified command comprising senior officials of the state and central forces'', he told mediapersons after attending a high level meeting which reviewed the problem of Maoist insurgency in the state.

Mr Patil said the Centre would provide five more battalions of central forces to Chhattisgarh, in addition to the existing 13 battalions, to for the anti-naxalite operations.

Besides, four India Reserve (IR) battalions would also join them, he said, adding that seven more armoured vehicles would be pressed into service.

Pointing out that the high level meeting also discussed various aspects pertaining to the Naxalite problem being faced in several districts of the state, the union minister said it has been decided to utilise the training facilities in other states such as Kerala and Andhra Pradesh to impart training to new recruits in the security forces. Besides, the centre will also provide all possible assistance to set up facilities to impart training to security forces to deal with problems such as Naxalism and terrorism.

Stating that misguided elements were unleashing terror, he said it was the responsibility of the government to provide security to the people.

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