By IANS,
New Delhi : Specialised India Reserve Battalions would soon be raised to implement and safeguard various development projects in Maoist-affected areas and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) would also be used against the rebels, parliament was told Tuesday.
Answering a question in the Lok Sabha, Minister of State of Home Affairs Jitendra Singh said the battalions will have two components – security companies and engineering companies.
“The government of India has approved raising of Specialised India Reserve Battalions in the naxal (Maoist) affected areas to implement various developmental projects, including infrastructural facilities and also to provide security and technical assistance to such projects,” said Singh.
Responding to a separate query, Singh told the Lok Sabha that 27 mobile towers were attacked by Maoists this year till Aug 15, compared to 45 last year and 66 in 2009.
According to the minister, UAVs will soon be deployed in Maoist-affected areas to track their movements. However, it is not possible to give a time line.
“The government has adopted two-pronged approach in this regard – development and the maintenance of law and order,” he said.