NEW DELHI: The banned Communist Party of India (Maoist), which is spearheading Naxal violence across the country, is raising the Bastar Tiger Battalion in Chhattisgarh to counter the Bastariya Battalion (BB) under the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).
“Maoists are raising Bastar Tiger Battalion, having strength of 150 men, to counter BB and have asked locals to provide at least one youth from each house,” an internal CRPF circular said. The document states Maoists are “repeatedly” targeting those involved in road construction works and security forces in Chhattisgarh.
Last year, Centre had approved creation of the BB comprising three-fourth of its strength from Bastar tribal to improve efficiency of the CRPF against Naxals.
A CRPF spokesperson said the recruitment for the BB is complete and training is underway. The battalion comprising 1,000 personnel will be deployed in Bastar.
The idea behind the BB is that tribals are aware of the topography of the region and are well-versed with local dialects, which could make them more effective in countering the ultras.
In neighbouring Bihar, Maoists are trying to convert People’s Liberation Guerrilla Army into People’s Liberation Army to enhance their area of influence.
The CPI (Maoist) has shifted some leaders from Chhattisgarh to Odisha to tone up organisational setup.