Orissa requires more time to start anti-Maoist operation

Orissa requires more time to launch the special joint anti-Maoist operation along its border with Chhattisgarh as the BSF, which has sent five of its battalions to the state, has to first acquaint itself with the topography of the naxal-hit areas.

"Though the BSF battalions have arrived they need to undergo familiarisation training before starting the joint operation ... They need to know the topography of the area where they will have to fight against unknown enemies," Prakash Mishra, chief of anti-Maoist operation in Orissa, told PTI today.

Five battalions of BSF have reached the state for joint operations in Koraput-Malkangiri-Dantewada axis along the border.

The BSF personnel would assist the ongoing anti-maoist operation being carried out by the CRPF jawans and the state's
elite anti-naxal force - the Special Operation Group (SOG).

Home secretary A P Padhi said the force was stationed in Koraput district with an aim to start the special joint operation in that region.

Orissa now has nine battalions of central paramilitary force - five battalions of BSF and four battalions of CRPF for anti-Maoist operation besides its own SOG units.