Pillai reviews security situation in Chhattisgarh

Raipur, July 5 (ANI): Union Home Secretary G K Pillai is on a three-day visit to Chhattisgarh to asses the ground realities in the state following the spurt in Maoist attacks during the last three months.

Pillai, who arrived here on Sunday night, is expected to visit the naxal-affected districts of Rajnandgaon, Kanker, Bastar and Dantewada and interact with the police personnel and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel deployed in the Maoist strong belt.

He is expected to discuss the issue with State Chief Minister Dr Raman Singh and Chhattisgarh Governor Shekhar Dutt, besides holding meetings with top police officials over the issue.

Pillai's visit is looked upon with great significance following the recent Maoist attack in Narayanpur district in which at least 27 CRPF personnel were killed.

His visit comes days after Union Home Minister P Chidambaram asked the State Government to 'revisit paramilitary deployment in Maoist-hit areas.

Union Home Minister P Chidambaram had last week said a rethink is required on the deployment of security forces in the Maoist affected areas.

"Some of these deployments must be revisited (so as to ascertain) whether they are serving any purpose. I hope the Chief Minister will hold discussions with the CPMF (Central Para-Military Forces) and the state police and revisit these deployments," said Chidambaram.

"We must deploy the paramilitary forces only when there is an operational objective or a developmental objective. Whether there are any lapses will be known only after an enquiry is conducted," he added.

The Maoists had killed 27 soldiers and injured over half dozen in an ambush in Jagdalpur region of Chhattisgarh last week. The attack took place near Narayanpur, considered to be a bastion of the Maoists.

Maoist attacks have increased this year, especially after the government launched a coordinated security offensive involving tens of thousands of police trying to flush out the rebels from their jungle hideouts in central and eastern India. (ANI)