New Delhi: The Centre feels that there is no need to declare Kalahandi as one of the worst Left Wing Extremist (LWE)-hit areas of the country citing lower number of reported violent cases from there.
“There had been hardly any big violent incident reported from Kalahandi in the last five years. There was no civilian casualty during 2012, 2013 and 2014. Security forces also faced zero casualties. By going through these records there is no need to include Kalahandi among the worst Naxal affected area,” Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Hansraj Ahir told the Lok Sabha Tuesday.
He, however, said that if the state government reports increase in such incidents, the ministry was willing to consider the proposal. The minister also refused the state government’s demand for additional funds.
The minister said, “Now in Orissa we have eight battalions of CRPF and eight battalions of BSF besides one Cobra battalion. Acting earlier on the request of the state government, we sanctioned nine battalions while currently eight battalions are ready. Besides, three sections of IRB were there which had been accepted but they have demanded more battalions.”
He also said, “Out of 17 battalions, the state government can deploy more from there for which permissions are sought which we can give. Currently, whatever battalions they have that is ample for them.”
The minister’s response came when BJD MP from Bolangir Kalikesh Singh Deo raised the issue in the Lower House during the Question Hour.
PNN
