BSF withdrawn from STF operations

By Our Tamil Nadu Bureau

CHENNAI, SEPT. 30. The Border Security Force (BSF) today withdrew from the Special Task Force (STF) joint operations to nab forest brigand Veerappan following the expiry of the originally stipulated six-month period.

Although the State Government had requested an extension of the period, the Centre, in view of the limited availability of the para-military forces, decided to move the BSF from Tamil Nadu to Jharkhand. Nearly 600 BSF personnel were deployed in the forests of Thalawady and nearby areas in the joint operations. Another BSF contingent stationed in Manipur was also being similarly moved to Jharkhand.

According to sources, due to the changed security situation in the country following the September 11 strike against the United States, the Centre felt a need to redeploy the para-military forces. There was pressure to station more contingents in Jammu and Kashmir and in the North-East. Apparently, the re-deployment was necessitated on account of the law and order situation in the newly carved State.

Despite the State Government taking up the issue at the highest level, the Centre was constrained to redeploy the BSF contingents.

The STF operations against Veerappan, currently being carried out under the command of the former DGP, Mr. W.I. Dawaram, would however continue. If necessary additional recruitment of personnel from the Tamil Nadu police would be made, sources added.

According to information received in Erode, the BSF contingent was withdrawn from the operations tonight. The local police had arranged vehicles to transport them to Coimbatore, from where they were expected to move to Delhi before their deployment in Jharkhand.

After the AIADMK came to power in May this year, the STF was revamped. Along with the STF of the Karnataka police, the Tamil Nadu police STF worked in coordination with the BSF. The State Government brought in Mr. K. Vijaykumar, who was with the BSF on deputation, back to Tamil Nadu.

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Section  : Southern States
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