JOIN USThe elite CoBRA (Combat Battalion for Resolute Action) force specially trained for jungle warfare are slowly moving out of West Bengal owing to fact that Maoist activity in the state is not so strong as it was in the last three years.
“Out of the 18 teams’ formation of a single battalion operating in the jungles of West Midnapore, Bankura and Purulia at present only six are operational. The rest of the force has been sent to neighbouring Jharkhand where Maoist insurgency is frequent and violent,” a senior CRPF official told Deccan Herald on condition of anonymity.
“As combing operations started in the neighbouring states we need a large number of teams there,” added the senior CRPF officer from Delhi.
There has been apprehensions of Maoists stricking back after the exodus of the force. However, a home ministry official allay suh fears saying: “Actually there are other forces including paramilitary forces and state police to take care of the law and order situation. The CoBRA force is only needed when there is a specific operation. If we need they will be recalled”.
The elite security force has been part of the anti-Maoist operation since June 2009.