The government will launch an offensive against the Naxals in various states later this year using IAF helicopters for movement of troops and satellite images to carry out surgical strikes.
As per plans, the operations would be led by the anti-Naxal force CoBRA in coordinations with state police and paramilitary forces CRPF, BSF and ITBP, a senior Home Ministry official said on Tuesday.
The highlight of the operations will be participation of the Indian Air Force (IAF) which will provide helicopters for the movement of troops.
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Another unique feature will be the role of ISRO for providing satellite images and National Technical Research Organisation to fine-tune the strategies.
The personnel of the Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA), who have already being stationed in various areas, are now focusing on spreading their intelligence network.
The intelligence wing of BSF, which has been roped in for the renewed fight against the Maoists, will also be used to “get specific intelligence for surgical strike.”
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The official said the recent anti-Naxal operations carried out by the CoBRA personnel in Dantewada district of Chhattisgarh cannot be regarded as the beginning of the centre’s strategy to take on Left-wing extremists who now control about 40,000 km area in the country.
“The real operation is yet to start. This (Dantewada operation) cannot be regarded as the first phase of what is being planned,” he said.
Ministry sources said the government is currently in the process of providing specialised training to selected securitymen to take on the Naxals which includes military-style training and setting up of ambushes.
Referring to the recent advertisements in national and regional dailies regarding the ‘cold blooded murderers’ carried out by Naxals, the sources said these were part of the new psychological warfare launched against the Maoists.
They said in Naxal-infested districts of various states, hoardings, banners and wall paintings will come up informing people about the evil designs of the Maoists. NGOs and street theatre groups will also be roped in for the purpose.