CM seeks more forces, aid to combat Naxals

BHUBANESWAR: The State Government has demanded waiver of Rs. 567.55 crore towards deployment of central para-military forces (CPMFs) in Orissa up to June 30, 2011. The issue was raised by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik during his meeting with Union Home Minister P Chidambaran in New Delhi on Friday. Chidambaram informed Naveen that he has already taken up the issue with Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee. On the issue of Naxal management, the Chief Minister underscored the need for inclusion of four more districts, Nuapada, Bargarh, Balangir and Kalahandi under the security-related expenditure (SRE) scheme. Deployment of two additional battalions of CPMFs by December, 2011, early deputation of field-level officers from CPMF to the Orissa Government and placement of at lease two MI-17 helicopters at the disposal of the State police deserve to be accorded priority, he said. Naveen requested Chidambaram to entrust construction of Gurupriya bridge in Malkangiri district, considered necessary for carrying out effective anti-Naxal operations, to CPMF. He reiterated the demand for inclusion of five more districts, Bargarh, Ganjam, Nayagarh, Dhenkanal and Jajpur, under the integrated action plan (IAP) as early as possible. Chidambaram informed the Chief Minister that the Centre has already approved four districts __ Nuapada, Bargarh, Balangir and Kalahandi __ under the SRE scheme. Deputation of officers from CPMF for deployment in Orissa for anti-Naxalite campaign is also under the active consideration of the Centre, he said. The Home Minister said one additional battalion of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) will be deployed soon in the State, but deployment of the Border Security Force (BSF) will take another two to three months. Indent for two MI-17 helicopters has already been issued and placement is expected shortly, Chidamabaram said, adding that the Centre approved three more districts, Ganjam, Nayagarh and Jajpur under the IAP.Chidambaram appreciated the difficulties being faced by the State in carrying out effective anti-Naxal operations due to delay in the construction of Gurupriya bridge and assured that he would consider the proposal for having the work executed through a Central agency.