Date:13/02/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/02/13/stories/2008021354991400.htm

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More paramilitary forces for Jharkhand

Special Correspondent

Patil agrees to State’s request

NEW DELHI: The Centre on Tuesday agreed to the Jharkhand request to provide five additional companies of paramilitary forces to tackle naxal violence.

At a review meeting of the security situation in naxal-violence affected Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand, Home Minister Shivraj Patil asked the State governments to make use of the paramilitary forces for operational purposes and not for normal law and order or static guard duties.

Fill up vacancies

Expressing concern over the slow pace of filling police vacancies in the two States, the Minister said the process should be expedited as it would not only help strengthen security but also provide employment to local youth. He asked the two governments to strengthen their intelligence wings and ensure optimal and timely utilisation of the funds granted under various Central schemes.

Pro-active strategy

The Minister expressed satisfaction with some successful anti-naxal operations recently and emphasised the need for following a pro-active strategy in both States.

Police chiefs and top administration officials from both States attended the meeting.