Centre to set up special force to counter naxal violence

New Delhi (PTI): Stung by the growing number of naxal-related incidents in the country, the Government may soon give its nod for formation of a Special Action Force (SAF) under the control of CRPF to combat the Left-wing extremists.

The proposal is awaiting "final" nod from the union Home Ministry, official sources said here.

As per the proposal, the new force would comprise 10 battalions (10,000 personnel) and would be set up on the pattern of "Greyhounds" of Andhra Pradesh Police and would be under the command and control of the CRPF, world's largest para-military force.

While terming Left-wing extremism as a "virus" and single biggest threat to internal security, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, during his address to state Chief Ministers, had asked all states to set up specialised units to counter naxal activities in the country on the patterns of Greyhounds.

This force was set up by Andhra Pradesh Police in 1989 to counter the naxals. The police force comprised best of the officers who had specialised in commando and jungle warfare.

In its proposal, the CRPF has submitted that 10 fresh battalions should be sanctioned and in the meantime, it would deploy an equal number of personnel to begin operations from the day it was sanctioned.

The proposed 10,000 odd men strong SAF would focus on "effectiveness and operational success", they said.

The officers and personnel of the SAF will be imparted exclusive training in the terrain and topography of the area of operation, they said.