The Centre has rapped the Bihar government for its alleged failure in controlling Maoist activities and said situation in the State has become alarming and there is complete breakdown in coordination between the State police and Central forces.
Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde also advised Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar to examine successful counter-insurgency models of other States and adopt such structures in Bihar too.
“We have noticed a complete breakdown in coordination between the State police and the Central forces as well as with the neighbouring states like Jharkhand,” Mr. Shinde wrote in his letter to Mr. Kumar.
Expressing concern over deteriorating Left Wing Extremism situation in Bihar, Mr. Shinde said the CPI (Maoist) have looted 38 sophisticated weapons and ammunition from the Bihar Police this year and that was the largest number in the country.
“There is a worry that the Maoists have identified Bihar Police for snatching weapons and ammunition since the state police personnel appear to be poorly trained in tactics. The State has also witnessed the killing of 27 security personnel this year, which is a very high number,” he said.
Requesting to revisit the Bihar government’s strategy’s of fighting the Maoists, the Home Minister told the Bihar Chief Minister that situation in the state has become alarming and if it is not addressed immediately, there is a possibility that the LWE situation may go completely out of control in the near future.
The Union Home Minister told the Chief Minister that the Maoists have realised that Bihar is a soft target to build their arsenal and may resort to further spectacular strikes and therefore the state government should immediately take necessary steps to improve coordination with the central forces and neighbouring States.
“I request you to examine the successful counter-insurgency models of other States and adopt such practices and structures in Bihar as well with modifications whatever deemed necessary to suit local conditions.
“I earnestly request you once again to re-examine and overhaul the counter-insurgency strategy against the Maoist so that Bihar is in harmony with rest of India in this regard. I also assure you of all necessary assistance and cooperation from the Central government in this endeavour,” Mr. Shinde said in the letter.
