In the wake of Maoists’ gruesome killing of CRPF jawans in Jharkhand’s Karmatiya jungle last week, the Centre has decided to raise Special Task Forces (STFs)in four Naxal-affected states -- Jharkhand, Odisha, Bihar and Chhattisgarh.
The STFs, proposed by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, will be raised on the lines of Andhra Pradesh’s Greyhound commando force and will largely be financed through a Central scheme.
“These special state units will be equipped with the best jungle warfare training facilities and will be made self-sufficient in tactics and operation. Through the jungle training, they will become capable of operating in inhospitable terrains for at least a week at a stretch,” a Home Ministry official said.
All the four states will receive funds to create and upgrade basic infrastructure, equipment and state-of-the-art weapons to counter Maoists.
As paramilitary units fighting Naxals are currently assisted by state police forces, a specialised task force trained in jungle warfare is needed to tackle India’s biggest internal security threat, sources said.
“The proposed outlay during the 12th Plan in this regard is `280 crore by the Central Government and around `56 crore by the state governments concerned. The step to adopt a new strategy is being taken in the background of the success achieved by the Greyhounds in Andhra Pradesh in combating left-wing extremism,” the ministry stated in its proposal.
The proposal lays out certain guidelines for state governments, according to which the STF has to be raised along the lines of the Greyhounds.
Even if a special force exists in a state in some form, it needs to be re-oriented through the entire process mentioned in the guidelines. “Only states providing such an undertaking will be considered for the funding under the scheme. The state governments should also consider providing funds over a period of five years to ensure 100 per cent residential accommodation for the STF personnel,” the proposal reads.