CRPF jawans to get AK-47 for operations against ultras, says Rajnath
In a much-needed boost to the Central paramilitary forces engaged in fighting extremism in the country, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh has announced that the personnel deployed in difficult areas will be provided special area allowance as is being given to army personnel.
Singh, during his maiden visit as Home Minister to Naxal-hit Jharkhand on Tuesday, also announced that the risk allowance will be provided to the CRPF personnel working in difficult areas even when they are on leave.
The Home Minister also said that the CRPF jawans, engaged in flushing out ultras in Naxal-infested areas, will be equipped with new modern hi-tech arms to fight the ultras. He went on to announce that the CRPF jawans will receive AK-47 rifles instead of present INSAS (Indian Small Arms System) rifles.
Singh, who was on his first visit to Jharkhand as part of his pre-announced visits to Maoist affected States, went to a CRPF camp at Thalkobad of West Singhbhum District in Saranda jungle area, about 120 km from Jamshedpur.
At the camp he met CRPF personnel there and lauded their work in extreme conditions, He also praised the security personnel for establishing a good rapport with the local residents and working for community development apart from providing them security.
On his return from the Saranda camp Singh chaired a high-level meeting with Chief Minister Hemant Soren and top administrative and police officials of the State besides senior officials of the CRPF and Chief Security Advisor K Vijay Kumar. The Union Home Minister discussed issues relating to law and order, especially left wing extremism in the State.
Talking to media persons after the meeting at Raj Bhawan in Ranchi, Singh said that he found that the CRPF personnel were working in hostile conditions in the camps but they have been able to establish a good rapport with the locals. “I have instructed the CRPF to understand the difference between locals and Maoists, though they are discharging their duties responsibly,” Singh said.
The Union Minister said there was no place for violence in a democratic system. He appealed to Maoists to give up violence and enter into a dialogue in order to find a solution to the problems. “I appeal to the ultras that they must shun violence and join the mainstream. Bloodshed would lead them to nowhere,” noted the Union Home Minister.
On being asked about Saranda Action Plan, he said that the Union Government plans to review the plan and a lot has to be done to make it more effective. “The Saranda Action Plan needs to be reviewed. We want to expand the development activities across the rural belt. We need to strengthen civil administration in the villages and, for this, large—scale development of the villages is required,” he noted.
Interestingly, after landing from a chopper on a helipad he himself rode a motorcycle from Saranda to CRPF camp at Thalkobad camp. Senior officials of the Centre and State Government accompanied Singh during his visit to Saranda and took part in the review meeting at Ranchi.