Odisha seeks two more battalion of CRPF to counter naxal activities

23 March, Bhubaneswar

Odisha Thursday demanded two additional battalions of Central Paramilitary Forces to counter the activities of the Left Wing Extremists in the state.

Odisha Director General of Police K B Singh told media persons here that the demand was made to CRPF Special DG (Central Zone) Kuldeep Singh who came to Odisha for the first time after assuming power.

Official sources here said at present 16 central paramilitary forces are deployed in various parts of the state.

Replying to a question, the DG said he had also discussed how to provide security to the civilians specially in Naxal infested districts in Malkangiri, Rayagada, Kalahandi and Koraput and how to conduct joint combing operations. The issue of Maoist activities in neighbouring states was also discussed.

Singh said Maoists from neighbouring states were infiltrating into Odisha and creating disturbances and denied the allegation that Naxal activities were rising in the state.