Date:04/10/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/10/04/stories/2008100455441000.htm

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Create an environment of security, Patil tells Naveen

Special Correspondent

“Centre providing paramilitary forces since December 2007”

Shivraj Patil

NEW DELHI: Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil on Friday asked Orissa Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik to implement a “strategy for creating an environment of security and confidence among all sections of the people.”

In a letter, Mr. Patil said some components of such a long-time strategy could be apprehending the trouble-makers and miscreants and strengthening the capabilities of the State police force. He asked why the State government could not raise all the five India Reserve (IR) battalions already sanctioned by the Centre. It had raised just one battalion.

The Home Secretary had already written to the Chief Secretary, asking the State government to firmly put down incidents of lawlessness in the State.

The Home Minister reminded the Orissa government that the Centre had been providing para-military forces since December 2007 when tension flared up in Kandhamal for the first time. Apart from 24 companies devoted to anti-naxalite operations, the State government had been given 53 more companies to control the violence targeting the minority community.

Mr. Patil said the Centre had “limitations” in providing para-military forces as there were other internal security commitments ranging from Jammu and Kashmir to the North-East and naxalite activities. He said Central forces were provided for “short duration” for aiding the State police force in law and order duties. He also pointed out that the MI-17 helicopter given to the State government for transportation of troops and evacuation of casualties was used only for reconnaissance.

“The Cabinet took note of the latest situation prevailing in Orissa and Karnataka and the Home Minister was asked by the Prime Minister to apprise the Cabinet of the situation at its next meeting,” Information and Broadcasting Minister P.R. Dasmunsi told reporters.

He said serious concern was expressed on Orissa, where some ‘organisations” were actively taking part in the violence. “The situation is very grave. The government is quite concerned,” Mr. Dasmunsi said after the Cabinet meeting.

He pointed out that nearly 7,500 para-military personnel had been rushed to Kandhamal which meant that for every village in the district there were 100 jawans present. The Centre strongly felt that the Orissa government had to do more, he added.