NEW DELHI: Taking heart from the gains made by the two-pronged strategy of development with police action against the Maoists, Home Minister P Chidambaram on Tuesday held an extensive review meeting with the chief ministers of Orissa and Chhattisgarh to strategise future action plan, especially joint operations along the border areas. ‘’We have made very clear that no operation will be conducted without the support of State police. The earlier practice has completely been discontinued for a year and a half. Now all operations are conducted by the paramilitary forces with the backing of State police,’’ he said. Sources in the Home Ministry said five more battalions would soon be pressed into action, especially on Orissa and Chhattisgarh border areas, where Maoists largely remain entrenched and resort to attacks. ‘’Some of the 400 fortified police stations are also coming up near the borders to help augment security forces’ efforts,” sources said. The Home Minister said violence and number of casualties have come down considerably in areas falling under 270 police stations in 64 districts in eight States. Reflecting on the gains, Chidambaram compared the figures of Maoist-related violence in these police stations till June 14 this year with the corresponding period last year. ‘’The number of incidents and casualties are lower than those in the corresponding period last year. Up to June 14, 2011, there have been 811 incidents (1,025 last year) resulting in 270 deaths (473 last year). Of the 270 persons who were killed, 190 were civilians (296 last year) and 80 personnel of the security forces (177 last year),’’ he said. Despite Chhattisgarh and Orissa reporting lesser deaths, Chidambaram said the level of violence is unacceptable and Central Government has offered its full support to the two States.
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