Is C-60 answer to Naxal threat?

MUMBAI: One of the biggest success of the security forces engaged in combating the Maoist rebels has been the setting up of the C-60, an anti-Naxalite crack force. The force is made up of local youngsters and active in pockets of Gadchiroli.

"The present requirement is to raise more such units in other affected parts of the state," said a senior police officer engaged in anti-Naxalite operations.

Maharashtra Director General of Police PS Pasricha says several strategies need to be combined to the combat the Maoist threat effectively.

"We have implemented ground-level strategies equipping policemen deployed on the field in a better manner," he told DNA. "There is a need to combine strategies to neutralise the threat."

The Vision Document prepared by the Maharashtra Police, in fact, advocates forming local "resistance units" comprising villagers to take on the Maoists.