Anti-Naxal ops: Defence ministry refuses to send special forces

The home and defence ministries have hit a road block wherein the defence ministry has opposed key points in the home ministry's anti-Maoist plan.

The defence ministry has opposed the use of special operation soldiers to be used in anti-Maoist operations. It is also against air force choppers being used to ferry troops.

State governments fear using the military would alienate local populations. Several states such as West Bengal and Bihar, where the rebels are strong in large rural swathes, will hold local elections in coming months.

A string of deadly attacks this year has undermined the government's claim to be winning the war on the Maoists. They are blamed for derailing a passenger train this month, killing at least 145 people.

There were two other incidents since last month that testified to their strength -- the killing of 76 police in an ambush and an attack on a bus that killed 35 people.