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With forces currently travelling to a neighbouring state for field firing exercises, the CRPF is exploring the possibility of setting up a dedicated range in Chhattisgarh
Currently, forces have to travel to a neighbouring state for field firing exercises. (Representational image/PTI)
While security forces have engaged in multiple encounters with Naxals in Chhattisgarh, and an average of five Naxals are being neutralised every day, CRPF ground commanders are requesting a dedicated Field Firing Range.
Currently, forces have to travel to a neighbouring state for field firing exercises. In a recent meeting, it was decided that the CRPF would explore the possibility of establishing a firing range in Chhattisgarh for its personnel. Given the current scenario and the deadline set by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the CRPF is likely to escalate the matter to the appropriate level.
According to an official communication reviewed by News18, CRPF DG GP Singh has asked for a draft proposal on the matter.
“In view of the increased deployment of the force in Chhattisgarh, there is a need for a Field Firing Range. At present, the battalions deployed in the state have to travel to another state for field firing. In this regard, the Inspector General informed that Chhattisgarh Police has a Field Firing Range in Kanker,” the letter states.
“It has been directed that the concerned officer will coordinate with Chhattisgarh Police to facilitate CRPF personnel’s access to the firing range. The Director General of the force further instructed that, in addition to Chhattisgarh Police, discussions should also be held with other deployed forces. If required, a draft proposal for the Field Firing Range should be sent to the Directorate General,” the letter reads.
Apart from the firing range, the CRPF is also planning to set up an R&D wing for the force. This initiative will help the force analyse ongoing activities in operational areas where it is deployed and provide recommendations for the modernisation plan to address future challenges.
“This R&D wing should be established under the leadership of an IG/DIG of the force. The Director General has instructed the Training Wing to review the plan and submit a proposal. He also directed them to seek suggestions from IIM Pune and prepare a detailed proposal,” a senior CRPF official told News18 on the condition of anonymity.
Earlier, on 25 March, security forces killed three Naxalites, including Sudhakar, a senior leader with a bounty of Rs 25 lakh on his head. Similarly, on 20 March, two major encounters took place in Chhattisgarh’s Bastar division, in which a total of 30 Naxalites were killed. The first encounter occurred on the Bijapur-Dantewada border, and the second on the Kanker-Narayanpur border. This year, security forces in the Bastar range have encountered 101 Naxals, with 50 per cent of these encounters taking place within a period of 10 days.
According to the Ministry of Home Affairs, due to the strict implementation of policies, incidents of Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) violence, which had reached their highest level of 1,936 in 2010, have reduced to 374 in 2024, marking a reduction of 81 per cent. The total number of deaths (both civilian and security forces) has also decreased by 85 per cent during this period, from 1,005 deaths in 2010 to 150 in 2024.
- Location :
Chhattisgarh, India, India