Unified command in Naxal-hit states
Discussions in the home ministry in the wake of the Maoist attack on the Howrah-Mumbai train in Jhargram in West Bengal may see the setting up of a unified command in every Naxal-affected state to improve coordination between central and state police forces.
The command being envisaged may also see an Army officer being attached as an adviser to ensure that maximum expertise is brought to bear against Maoists in operations that the Centre now hopes to step up. In the changes being considered, the role of a single officer like special DG Vijay Raman will be shared by officers deputed to the unified commands.
The home ministry does not envisage the role of Army in anti-Naxal operations though government may use its expertise in training counter-insurgency units. To this end, possibility of a national counter-insurgency training centre being set up with Army help could be on the table. The Army may also consider raising dedicated battalions for counter-insurgency, but that would be at a later date.
The Army has been reluctant to involve itself in anti-Naxal ops as this would put an additional strain on it besides it being brought into the centre of some very dirty fighting.
The possibility of collateral damage in an Army operation is high given their training which is intended to deliver a blunt and heavy blow.
The possibility of a long-drawn battle may end up sapping morale and denting Army's record.
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