Hit by the rapid increase in Maoist violence against civilians, the government is considering calling in the Army and setting up a unified command to launch concerted anti-Naxalite operations.
The Army is likely to use its Special Forces commandos for “precision strikes” to eliminate Maoists in case of credible intelligence. The Army may not be used for day-to-day operations. The unified command will comprise military, paramilitary and police personnel deployed in anti-Naxal operations.
In case the go-ahead is given for a unified command, sources said it could be located near Nagpur. The command would be headed by a top Army officer of the rank of lieutenant-general. Various options were discussed at a meeting between defence minister A.K. Antony and the three service chiefs on Tuesday.
Also, in a first move towards the use of air power against the Maoists, the Centre has asked the National Technical Research Organisation to pull out six UAVs lying in cold storage for deployment in anti-Naxal operations. Some Indian Air Force personnel on deputation to the National Technical Research Organisation would be operating these UAVs. These IAF personnel are now undergoing technical training, along with other NTRO personnel, on how these UAVs can be used most effectively. The NTRO comes under the charge of the national security adviser.
The defence ministry has, however, refused to spell out the new strategy clearly. When asked about the setting up of a unified command, an official would only say: “Various scenarios are being discussed by the government.”
The meeting between the defence minister and the service chiefs comes ahead of a crucial meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security to be chaired by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Thursday. The CCS is expected to take the final call on whether the armed forces should be deployed in anti-Naxal operations. Ahead of the CCS meeting, Union home minister P. Chidambaram will also visit Chhattisgarh on Wednesday to review the security situation.
On the advantages of using the UAVs, sources said that once these are deployed in the sky, the security forces could be forewarned about the movements of Maoists to avoid heavy casualties during joint operations between Central and state police forces in the Maoist belt. The UAVs are also expected to help in detection of underground mines by using thermal sensors.