Maharashtra to get another chopper for Naxal-infested areas

Maharashtra government is planning to acquire an additional helicopter for air-lifting operations in the Naxal-dominated areas of the state.

Home Minister RR Patil told reporters here today that currently the state had only one, hired, helicopter for this purpose.

"We plan to get one more, to be used for shifting those who sustain injuries (in anti-Naxal operations) for medical treatment," he said.

However, he added, he was not sure if the Centre would provide additional funds to procure a chopper.

Patil claimed that naxalism had been curbed in Nanded, Chandrapur and Yavatmal districts. "It is (alive) only in Gadchiroli and Gondia (districts)," he said.