Bhubaneswar: Encouraged by the success of
its own securitymen in eliminating nine ultras and recovering
huge weapons in Rayagada district recently, Orissa government
on Saturday decided to strengthen its anti-Naxalite force, official
sources said.
"A proposal to increase strength of Special Operation
Group (SOG) and District Voluntary Force (DVF), has been
accepted by the state government," Director General of Police
Manmohan Praharaj told reporters.
According to the police, the state police personnel
were as efficient as CRPF and BSF men in fighting the Maoists
in forests. This was proved during a recent encounter in
Rayagada district where SOG and DVF personnel gunned down nine
ultras and busted a camp of the Maoists active in the southern
districts neighbouring Chhatishgarh and Andhra Pradesh.
Stating that at least 50 SOG units (one unit comprises
30 personnel) were now engaged in anti-Maoist operations, the
DGP said it was likely to be doubled.
The IG (operation) would soon prepare a blue print on
strengthening for augmentation of the anti-Maoist force
including the DVF, he said.
The decision was taken at a meeting chaired by Chief
Minister Naveen Patnaik.
With about 18 of the state`s 30 districts affected by
Maoists, there were 12 battalions of central para-military
force to assist the state police to fight the ultras. While
BSF has five battalions, CRPF has seven.
The decision to further strengthen SOG and DVF came in
the wake of the centre`s suggestion to create own striking
force against red rebels, the DGP said.
PTI
