By IANS
Ranchi : Jharkhand will raise a specialised security force to guard industries and mining units of the state, a top official said here Friday.
“Jharkhand Industrial Security Force (JISF) will be raised on the lines of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF). JISF personnel will be deployed in the security of industries and mining units of the state,” a top police official told IANS.
“The special force has been planned as Maoists target industrial and mining units on a regular basis. The present forces are also unable to prevent the smuggling of coal and other minerals from the state,” he added.
“Different mining companies like Central Coalfield Ltd and Bharat Coking Coal Ltd regularly approach state agencies for security. Most of the security forces have been deployed in anti-Maoist operations and on the law and order front. It is difficult for us to ensure security to industries and mining units,” he pointed out.
The industrial security force will be raised in 2008. In the first phase, 1,000 security personnel will be appointed. They will be trained to deal with smugglers and to prevent attacks on industrial units.
The need for such a force has increased since several private companies are starting operations in the state.
The Jharkhand government has signed memorandums of understanding (MoUs) with more than 52 companies in steel, mining and power sectors.
Jindal Steel Ltd has already started work in the Patratu area of Ranchi. Navin Jindal, executive vice-president and managing director of Jindal Steel, has written to the state government to ensure safety and improve the law and order scenario to help in setting up the plant.
“The selected JISF personnel will be given training by CISF personnel,” the police official said.
Maoist rebels have attacked different mining companies operating in the state 13 times in the past six years.