Support from armed forces looks bleak, home ministry may engage elite force in troubled zones, according to well-placed sources
The Border Security Force (BSF) is likely to spearhead operations against Left insurgents in the Maoist heartland. The force has completed a reconnaissance mission in the troubled areas of Chhattisgarh to assess the ground realities and looks set to plunge into the operational mode soon.
The development assumes significance after indications that the home ministry’s plan to seek involvement of the armed forces in the operations failed to find favour from quarters concerned in the government.
Well-placed sources in the ministry said a high-level team of BSF officials had already visited Dantewada and adjoining areas for an on-the-spot assessment.
Apart from studying the topography, they also assessed the kind of challenges their personnel would face.
The operational plans would consider the level of preparedness required to launch the operations in collaboration with the local police and the CRPF.
About 10 battalions of the BSF are deployed in the Dantewada area and six more are on the way, the sources added.
“We have received indications about the BSF’s enhanced role
in the anti-Maoist operations. The reconnaissance mission was part of the plan,” a senior BSF official said.
Although the cabinet committee on security (CCS) is slated to meet on Thursday to consider the home ministry’s plea for more involvement of the armed forces in the operations, there is a sinking feeling in the ministry about the proposal not getting approval from the CCS. Both the armed forces and the defence ministry do not look in favour of inter-ministerial interactions.
“Our feeling is that the proposal is not going to get a nod from the CCS. In any case, the home ministry has not sought direct involvement of army personnel in combat operations or the Indian Air Force’s heliguns,” they said.
The ministry has apparently decided to exert pressure to seek more funds and infrastructure facilities. In its proposal, the ministry, apart from asking for more funds, has made a strong case for greater “air back-up”.
In this regard, it has sought more helicopters mainly for deployment, and rescue and relief operations.
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