Visakhapatnam: Andhra Pradesh police chief
on Thursday asserted that anti-Naxal operations in the state would
be intensified soon to curb the menace.
An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) fitted with powerful
surveillance cameras would be pressed into service from
February to track the movement of Naxals, Director General of
Police (DGP) V Dinesh Reddy said at a press conference here.
Maoist activities in Andhra Pradesh had been largely
brought under control in the past few months, he said.
The UAV would be used in the Maoist stronghold areas
in Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram and Srikakulam districts, the
DGP said, adding it will be particularly useful in tracking
their movements in forests.
The UAV images would be transmitted to base stations
and security forces could be mobilised in a helicopter to hunt
the rebels, Reddy said.
To facilitate faster movement of anti-Maoist forces, a
17-seater chopper will be inducted from third week of this
month, he said, adding the cost of UAV and helicopter
operations will be borne by Union Home Ministry.
Two more companies, either from Andhra Pradesh Special
Police or Central paramilitary forces, will be sanctioned for
anti-Naxal operations, the DGP informed.
About the strong presence of extremists on the Andhra-
Orissa Border (AOB), the police chief said this was because of
tough terrain and lack of adequate support from the
neighbouring state.
PTI
