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As a result, 92 jawans above 35 years of age and posted at EFR camps in the Naxal-hit districts of West Midnapore, Bankura and Purulia are heading back to barracks for office jobs.
“We have fixed the cut-off age at 35, but it will be relaxed to 40 depending on the agility and fitness of a jawan. Those who are being screened will be put in clerical and other non-combatant jobs. This process will go on for some time,” said Surajit Kar Purokayastha, IG (Law and Order).
In West Midnapore, 77 of the 157 personnel have been removed while of 55 in Bankura, 15 have been issued marching orders. No change has been made so far in Purulia district. In the State Armed Police (SAP) too, personnel above 35 are being removed to make the force battle-worthy.
The state government is also sending the personnel of its armed police force for training in jungle and guerrilla warfare to other states. While one group has already trained in Punjab, another is undergoing training in Orissa. Yet another is being sent to Chhattisgarh.
The state government is also setting up its own institute to train its proposed Counter Insurgency Force with a total strength of 939 personnel. A retired police officer with the rank of DIG is being hired for the job. The Centre is extending monetary assistance for these projects. “The process of re-training the personnel is going on in view of the present security situation,” ADG Bagish Mishra said.
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