Naxal ops ahead,Govt begins to pull out paramilitary forces from J&K

J&K is being compensated by an India Reserve battalion of the Haryana Police,which has already reached the state. A re-distribution of force deployment — including both the armed forces and paramilitary forces — will be carried out to cover for any remaining deficiencies so that ongoing operations in the state are not adversely affected,sources said.

Other paramilitary organisations like the BSF and ITBP have also been asked to contribute a few battalions for the planned operation against the Naxals. It is learnt that four battalions of the BSF and two battalions of ITBP have been identified and told to prepare themselves. Nagaland Police is expected to contribute two battalions for the operations.

Sources said the initial assessment was that 25 additional battalions drawn from various organisations would be needed — but with most paramilitary organisations over-worked,not more than 15 battalions could be arranged.

The operation has been put off by a month to take into account assembly elections in Maharashtra and Haryana in October. A decision on holding elections in Jharkhand at the same time is likely to be taken soon. The operation is likely to begin after the polls — some time in November. However,selective strikes in Maharashtra and border areas of Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand are expected before that,sources said.