The Centre may be all eager to launch an offensive against “Red terror”, but the infrastructure of the forces to execute the plan seems to be in shambles. As far as the Border Security Force (BSF), one of the security agencies also engaged in the counter-insurgency operations, is concerned, two of the three helicopters that the Union home ministry had purchased for the force are now in a state of neglect.
Each helicopter was purchased at a cost of Rs 52 crores. While one helicopter has developed a technical snag in the gear-box, another has developed engine problem. Both of them are currently at the servicing station for the last two months. The three choppers were meant for carrying para-military forces from one place to another during counter insurgency operations including anti-Naxal operations.
The remaining helicopter has now been “kept for emergency situations” though they are often used for movement of the VVIPs, sources said.
The condition of the existing choppers not withstanding, the ministry has chalked out a comprehensive plan for the expansion of air wing of the para-military force, especially the BSF, sources said, adding that there are plans to purchase five more helicopters. However, to use these helicopters in anti-Naxal operation will be a risky affair as these are not armoured. “If Maoists open fire on the choppers carrying paramilitary personnel, their lives would be in peril,” sources said.
Also, at least four base stations for these helicopters of the para-military has already been prepared but there is no staff at these stations. Moreover, as against a requirement of 66 pilots for the BSF, only 10 are undergoing training, sources added. However, some of the pilots of the BSF have been trained at FSI Paris.
Sources also said that a proposal has been mooted to hire armoured helicopters — as they alone are advisable for use in anti-Naxal operations — at a cost of Rs 2 crore per month from private firms for use in counter-insurgency operations.