'CRPF determined to eliminate Naxalism'

Maintaining that the recent killing of 75 CRPF personnel by Naxalites in Dantewada has not affected the force's morale, a senior paramilitary official today said the men were prepared to take on the Maoists in a more determined manner to eliminate the menace.

"We are ready to meet any eventuality. The force is determined to eliminate the menace of Naxalism which of late has spread its tentacles, posing a threat to the nation," special director general, CRPF (J&K Zone), NK Tripathy said at the passing out ceremony of CRPF recruits at the training centre in Humhama near here.

He said the attack on the force has not affected the morale of its jawans and officers. "Their morale was high and is high and will remain so." 

As many as 383 recruits of the 78th batch passed out at the centre today, with the number of personnel to have been trained at the institute reaching 15,221.

"Training the personnel is important. We will improve the kind of training being given to them. Whatever is necessary will be done. They will gain experience and meet the challenge posed by Naxalites," he said.

Tripathy said the recruits were put through 44 weeks of rigorous training which involved weapon training, PT, battle obstacle, jungle warfare and law. 

He said the training also comprised of human rights and disaster management to make the personnel efficient peace keepers.

Addressing the recruits, Tripathy said "the CRPF will leave no stone unturned to foil the evil designs of the Naxals."

He said the situation in Jammu and Kashmir is under control and there is complete coordination between the security forces.

However, he denied there were plans to pull out CRPF troops from J&K and divert them to Naxal-infested areas.

"Security forces are the target of both Naxals and terrorists," he said, adding there is no evidence of links between Maoists and terrorists operating in the valley. 

Responding to a question on security arrangements for the two-months-long Amarnath Yatra commencing from July 1, he said arrangements for the yatra have been finalised.

The force has acceded to the request of the state government for more troops for the yatra, he said.