COBRA training centre to be set up at Salbani

A training centre for Combat Battalion for Resolute Action (COBRA) personnel is to be set up at Salbani in Paschim Medinipur district.

The proposed centre will be operational within two years. It will have a capacity to train 1,000 personnel at a time, the State’s Home Secretary, Ardhendu Sen said here on Thursday.

The State government has decided to hand over 141 acres of vested land to the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) authorities for setting up the centre. COBRA is a force that is under the command and control of the CRPF.

The location of the centre is significant as it falls within an area of Paschim Medinipur district where Maoists have been active.

Presently four companies of COBRA, a specialised force in anti-Maoist operations, are deployed in parts of southwest West Bengal to combat left extremist activity in the region.

The State authorities have already taken steps to fortify 21 thanas in areas affected by Maoist activity in the region and equip the police force there with upgraded weapons to counter left-wing extremism.