Army to give logistical support against Maoists: Antony

BANGALORE - Defence Minister A.K. Antony Tuesday said the armed forces would extend logistical support to the state police and paramilitary forceS in combating the growing Maoist menace in parts of the country.

“Though armed forces are mainly meant for safeguarding the country’s borders, they will give all the logistical support, including training, supplies and more aircraft,” Antony told reporters here.

Admitting that the Maoist problem was a serious threat to the country, Antony said the government was seized of the issue and working on a two-pronged strategy.

“We will deal with them strongly by using the legal force available with us. On other side, we will have massive development programmes in the undeveloped tribal belts. Both strategies are working,” Antony said at a defence function here.

Expressing confidence that the state police and the paramilitary forces would tackle the Maoists, the minister said the army would set up training units in Chhattisgarh where Maoists have been wreaking havoc.

“Land acquisition is in the final phase for setting up army training units in Chhattisgarh. State police and paramilitary forces will be trained to counter Maoists who indulge in hit-and-run attacks,” Antony added.