CRPF will raise Bastar tribal unit to fight Naxals

New Delhi: As many as 743 candidates, including 242 women, have been recruited by the CRPF from the Bastar region of Chhattisgarh, one of the worst Naxal-hit areas, for an “all-tribal battalion” being raised to fight Maoists.

The youth have been recruited for the post of constable in the CRPF from tribal-dominated Sukma, Dantewada, Narayanpur and Bijapur districts and will join the “Bastariya” battalion.

“743 Scheduled Tribe candidates, including 242 women, have been recruited,” a home ministry official said.

Bastar region comprises Sukma, Dantewada, Narayanpur and Bijapur districts of Chhattisgarh. The “Bastariya” battalion is a unique initiative to enhance local representation in security forces and also provide employment to youth, the official said.

2016 witnessed maximum Naxal violence in Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh — 68.5 per cent of the total incidents and 69 per cent of the deaths. Situation in Bastar region is considered to be critical due to unabated violence perpetrated by the Maoists.

The concept of “Bastariya” battalion was considered useful as the recruits, mostly local tribals, would help address local unemployment issue, provide tactical advantage to CRPF in operations, intelligence collection and language benefits. Tribal candidates joining the force are also given a 4.5 cm relaxation in minimum height, which is 160 cm for others.