West Bengal sanctions funds for special force for anti-Maoist operations

West Bengal finance ministry has sanctioned funds for the creation of a special force capable of handling anti-Maoist operation, West Bengal home secretary Ardhendu Sen said here today.

"The state finance ministry has sanctioned money needed for the creation of a special force like that of 'Greyhounds' which will be mainly responsible for handling anti-Maoist operation", Sen told reporters.

"The total cost of the project will be Rs25 crore of which Rs2 crore has been sanctioned initially and the rest will be sanctioned according to requirement," he said.

The state government would look for land in and around Salboni-Goaltore area to house the force and the recruitment would start soon, he said.

"Initially, it will be a 600 strong force of commandos and it will be headed by an IG level officer. The commandos will be trained by experts from BSF, CRPF and other paramilitary forces and the force will be ready for operation very soon," the official added.

When asked if financial support would be sought from the Centre, Sen said, "We will ask the Centre to provide financial support if needed".

"The issue will be discussed with Union home minister P Chidambaram when he comes to attend a meeting with the chief
ministers of four states in Kolkata on February 9," he added.