Jharkhand on Thursday joined hands with its neighbours Bengal, Bihar, Odisha and Chhattisgarh at an inter-State coordination meeting held at State Police Headquarters. A plan of action was chalked out against the Maoists and to stay on guard against any terrorist attack.
Issues related to coordination among Naxal-affected States — right from investigation to getting hold of terror outfit members — was the focus. Possibilities of inter-State coordination by police during anti-Naxal operations were also discussed at large.
Advisor to Governor K Vijay Kumar, senior police officers from neighbouring States, teams from NIA and IB along with SPs of bordering districts of Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh were present. “It was purely a coordination meeting of Naxal-affected States to discuss all points, smaller and bigger,” said Kumar. The former CRPF chief, refused to elaborate on details due to strategic reasons.
According to Kumar, senior officers shared experiences of tackling Maoists during their tenure in various districts, to benefit the younger SPs. On the issue of the rebels fleeing one State to another to dodge the police, he said superior coordination would be a solution. “At present, we are discussing issues collectively. Bilateral discussions will take place with each State separately later,” he added.
Although, it was a completely confidential meeting, sources revealed that NIA also gave an audio visual presentation on Indian Mujahideen (IM) and elucidated on techniques to tackle terror outfits in case a situation arises.
According to sources, the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act of 1967 was also discussed thoroughly so it can be used more effectively against the Maoists.