Maha to have tribal battalion to tackle Naxalism, says Patil
Maharashtra will soon raise an exclusive tribal battalion to deal with the menace of Naxalism in tribal dominated areas in eastern Vidarbha, Maharashtra Home Minister Jayant Patil said here today.
The proposed battalion will be deployed in the Naxal- infested areas of Gadchiroli, Bhamragarh and Gondia districts since the tribals are more familiar with the topography, weather conditions, language and culture of the area.
Therefore, they would be able to deal with Naxals in a better way, Patil said here today.
Patil earlier laid a foundation for the Rs 35 crore anti-Naxalities commando training centre 'Alpha Hawks', on the lines of Andhra Pradesh's 'Grayhounds' at Suraburdi, about 20 kms on the Nagpur-Amravati road near here.
It would require about 20 months to complete, Patil said adding it would provide training to 300 policemen.