P Chidambaram to discuss SC verdict on SPOs with CMs

New Delhi, Jul 6: I will have to speak with the CMs on what impact it will have on the anti-Maoist operation, said P Chidambaram, Home Minister reacting on the Supreme Court's order that slammed Chhattisgarh Government and the Centre for using tribals as Special Police Officers (SPOs).

Talking further on the issue, Chidambaram told the reporters that he is yet to read the judgement.

“Judgement has to be read and reflected carefully," he said.

The Home Minister also said that no incidences of terror have been reported for the past six months.

The Centre and the Chhattisgarh government was also criticised by the Supreme Court for supporting and giving monetary help to the Special Police Officers, who operate under various names such as Salwa Judum and Koya Commandos.

“How will employing and arming ill-equipped youngsters help to combat insurgency?" the court had said adding that it violated the constitution.

Many police officers in the state are of the opinion that the court's order will affect the operations against insurgents

"I am stunned by the court decision. The guys (SPOs) were extremely handy to dismantle the CPI-Maoist," a police officer from Dantewada had said.

“Taking advantage of the dense forest cover during the monsoon, the Maoists who were in safe shelters to evade arrests have started regrouping," Mukesh Kumar, West Midnapore Additional Police Superintendent had said on maoists reorganizing into new groups in three of West Bengal after the Supreme Court's judgement.

OneIndia News