New Delhi/Ranchi, May 16: CRPF has sought the cover of AFSPA for its men conducting anti-Naxal operations, at a time when continuance of the controversial Act in areas of Jammu and Kashmir and the North East is being debated.
 The demand for the cover has been made by the commander of CRPF in Jharkhand--Inspector General (Operations) D K Pandey--during a top-level conference on operational matters of the force here.
 "In the present system, Jharkhand police is requisitioning CRPF for providing troops for anti-Naxal operations. CRPF is not in a position to launch any operation of its own.
 "Therefore, our achievement is subject to proactive approach of state police. Hence, CRPF should be given (cover under) the Armed Forces Special Power Act for atleast six months," the IG said in his conference submission last month.
 This is the first time that a security force, deployed in Naxal-affected states, has demanded such a cover.
 Sources privy to the development said the CRPF wants these powers for the Palamau division of the state which comprises Palamau, Latehar and Garhwa districts, and has witnessed regular incidents of Naxal violence in the past.
 The IG also suggested that if the entire state cannot be brought under the umbrella of the Act, some selected areas can be chosen.
 "If this is not possible in the entire state, then at least selective pockets in the areas be chosen for AFSPA," he said.
 The request by the IG, who commands 16 battalions (16,000 personnel) of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and two of the special counter-Naxal force CoBRA in Jharkhand, has been made to the force headquarters and, according to sources, no decision has been taken on the issue as of now.

Lastupdate on : Wed, 16 May 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Wed, 16 May 2012 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Thu, 17 May 2012 00:00:00 IST