lack of own intelligence gathering capabilities and non-cooperation by the local police in sharing inputs has marred operational capabilities of the elite anti-Naxal CoBRA battalions of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).
With pressure being mounted from the Union Home Ministry and the CRPF directorate to deliver, the CoBRA battalions are routinely advised to undertake large-team operations. In the absence of actionable intelligence, such move is fraught with serious consequences, insiders said.
CoBRA (Combat Battalion for Resolute Action) on its part has been directing its battalions to improve own intelligence gathering capabilities by penetrating the contractors engaged in road construction and those related to public distribution system to ascertain the supply chain of the Naxals. This apart, the battalions have also been advised to seek the database of Naxals from civil police in writing. By taking contractors and suppliers into confidence, the profile of the Naxals operating in the respective area can be made.
Apart from strengthening intelligence cell, CoBRA has been seeking to enhance its performance and operational achievements by conducting input-based action against the Naxals including laying ambushes against them.
The Intelligence Cell is being geared up to keep a track of food grain/condiments suppliers to villagers. The frequent buyers can be identified and then be put in suspect list and then their nexus with the banned outfit can be identified, a source said.
“At present, in spite of having enormous capabilities, the CoBRA unit is unable to operate even in small teams apparently due to the fear factor. No wonder the Force has been facing reverses in the recent past,” the source added.
The CRPF headquarters here is also considering a proposal from CoBRA to post domiciles of the Naxal-affected areas so that they have a better understanding of the local language and can penetrate the Naxal ranks in an effective way.
As many as 10 battalions (10,000 personnel) have been created for the CoBRA who have been given specialised training and armed with sophisticated weapons and gadgets including X-95 assault rifles, night vision devices and satellite phones. But only 209 and 210 CoBRA battalions have a relatively better operational performance record, the sources added.