Taking the first steps for a massive surge against Naxalites, the Government has decided to set up a 26,000-strong task force that will be equipped and trained to carry out clearing operations in Naxal-affected areas of the country.

It is learnt that 26 battalions, picked from across paramilitary forces, will be placed under an officer of Additional Director General rank. Sources said the process has already started and troops are being identified for this purpose. They will receive specialised training in different places including military training institutions.

The aim is to first prepare and train the force at the earliest. Having already spoken to Chief Ministers of Naxal-affected states for coordinated operations, the Home Ministry feels there is now a broad understanding that drastic steps will have to be taken and most state governments are on board. In fact, after the Lalgarh incident, West Bengal has given up its initial reluctance and is now backing the plan for a surge against the Naxals.

According to reliable sources, the task force will not be spread out thin across states but will be used in specific areas in coordination with state and paramilitary forces deployed there with a bigger strategy in mind. While officials do have a time frame and a rough plan, it is a closely guarded affair to retain the element of surprise.

The broad objective is to “secure, hold and administer” an area and then move on to the next, which is where coordination is vital. While the task force can clear and secure an area, it can only be held by the state police which must be followed up quickly on the administrative front. Cabinet Secretary K M Chandrasekhar is already heading a committee of secretaries which is working with the state governments on an administration model that includes ways to incentivise officials at different levels to serve in these areas.

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