After observing an improvement in situation in some naxal-affected areas, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has decided to withdraw its units from three districts of Odisha and redeploy them in other troubled areas within the State.
The CRPF would be withdrawing its forces from Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj and parts of Ganjam district.
Addressing a press conference here on Tuesday, Prakash Mishra, who took the first review of the situation after assuming charge of Director General of CRPF said, “We have taken a decision that wherever in our operational areas there is a marked improvement in the situation, we will gradually withdraw our forces. Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj and parts of Ganjam have seen very low incidence of naxal activities.”
These forces will be relocated in Kandhamal and Kalahandi, Mr. Mishra said.
“After the relocations of CRPF units, the State police with its India Reserve Battalion and armed police wing will be there to respond to security challenges. Capacity-building of these State-based forces must take place as CRFP units cannot be deployed for all times to come,” he said.
“If deployment of more CRPF units would be required in future, the Odisha government would have to take up the matter with the Union Home Ministry. Then only, the decision on further deployment will be taken,” CRPF DG said.
The CRPF is focusing on Kalahandi, Nuapada and Kandhamal areas where red rebels are very active.
‘Capacity-building of State-based forces must happen as CRFP units cannot be deployed for all times to come’
