Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Bhubaneswar, Jul 24:

The Union Government has approved thirteen new armed police battalions, including three for Odisha, to address the Left Wing Extremism situation in the country.

Pic Courtesy: Rediff.com Pic Courtesy: Rediff.com

According to reports, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) has approved 12 India Reserve Battalions for the LWE affected states. One more battalion -- comprising of tribals from Maoist-hit districts -- will also be raised by the Centre.

Apart from the three battalions for Odisha, four will be raised in Chhattisgarh, three in Jharkhand and two in Maharashtra.

The CCS Committee headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given its nod to raise these 13 battalions to address the Maoist situation.

It may also be mentioned that two already sanctioned India Reserve Battalions will be converted into auxiliary battalions of CRPF by recruiting men from 15 severely Naxal-affected districts of Jharkhand, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Bihar and Maharashtra.