The union home ministry is not keen on deployment of special commando force to guard the passengers travelling to naxal regions across India. Highly placed sources in home department said, “The union home minister Rajnath Singh has neither rejected nor accepted the suggestions for dedicated commando force to guard commuters.” Sources in the state government revealed to Indian Express, “The union home minister is eliciting views from state chief ministers and home ministers on the matter. A formal decision would be taken only after considering the views of all state leaders.” Sources revealed, “Some states namely West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh et al expressed anguish over possibility of escalating the conflict with naxals if commandos are regularly travelling in long distance trains through naxal belts.” At present there are central reserve police force in the trains for passengers security. Last week, union railway minister Suresh Prabhu had indicated a possibility of beefing up security in long distance trains in naxal belt. Prabhu said, “ I am going to meet the union home minister Rajnath Singh soon. I feel we should have a special commondo force in trains to naxal regions.” However, he had indicated that the final decision would have to be taken after nod from Singh. The union railway minister's demand for special force came in wake of disruption of trains for several days in Dandakaranya in Chhatisgarh. Sources in state home department revealed, “ At state level it is felt that naxals may have targeted trains occasionally. But if we have a special force they would focus their attack on long distance trains. How many special commondos can be deploy for security.” On the other hand the larger challenge for states should be to promote more development in naxal region to isolate them from seeking help of the locals. Maharashtra government has sought more funds from the ministry of home and finance for development in the naxal regions of Gadchiroli. Earlier, union minister for surface transport Nitin Gadkari also indicated he would discuss with states on projects that could be taken up in naxal regions. Gadkari is planning a meeting with state chief ministers to discuss the roadmap for naxal regions. Maharashtra government is also going to take up the road works with Gadkari in three districts affected by naxals.
