War Against Maoists In India

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<b>Rs 500 cr for Naxal-hit areas </b>
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New Delhi, Mar 23: Concerned over growing Left wing extremism in various states, the Centre has decided to allocate Rs 500 crore during the 11th Plan for development of infrastructure in naxal-hit areas.

<b>The new scheme aims at providing critical mobility to the police by upgrading existing roads and tracks in inaccessible areas and securing camping grounds and helipads at strategic locations in remote and interior areas, Home Ministry sources said.

Helicopters have been provided to affected states for rushing central para-military forces and evacuating injured people and security personnel, but in the absence of helipads state governments are unable to make right use of the machines.</b>

The scheme, which is fully funded by the Centre, also seeks to provide security to police stations and outposts by strengthening those at risk of attack due to their dilapidated condition, the sources said.

There have been several incidents of naxals storming police stations in Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and Orissa in which personnel have been attacked and arms looted.

Through the plan, to be implemented by concerned state governments, the Centre intends to upgrade and strengthen approach roads to police stations and outposts where there is risk of attack by improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and landmines.