In an attempt to empower the ill-equipped police force to take on the Naxals, a committee of the Orissa Assembly has recommended that cops be provided with sophisticated weapons and equipment to match the firepower of the Naxals. The Standing Committee of the Home Department, headed by Ramesh Chandra Chyau Patnaik, has recommended the provision of bullet-proof jackets, helmets and sophisticated weapons like Glock pistols, compact assault rifles, Under Barrel Grenade Launchers and rocket launchers to cops in Naxal-infested areas.

The Committee which discussed Budgetary demands, recommended that at least Rs 6.5 crore be given to the Home Department for procuring sophisticated weapons. "The State police force urgently requires modern arms and other state-of-the-art equipment to face the heavily-armed Left-wing extremists and maintain law and order in an increasingly challenging and changing environment," the Committee report said.