CRPF to replace INSAS with AK series assault rifles to counter Maoists

In a major strategic move to wipe off Naxals from the country, the CRPF personnel will now be using AK series weapons instead of indigenous INSAS and more than 2000 CRPF personnel trained in countering insurgency will be deployed in Chhattisgarh’s south Bastar.

South Bastar remains to be last Bastions of the left-wing extremist outfit.

“We plan to induct more troops in the area soon,” said CRPF Director General RR Bhatnagar told the media on the eve of 78th Raising Day of the Central Armed Police Force.

Inspector General (IG)  rank officer not authorised to talk to the media said that the government has recently given green signal to the force to replace INSAS weapons with AK-47 and AK-56 assault rifles in the the 10 highly affected hit Maoist states.

“INSAS has been standard weapon of the force but anti-Naxal operations require quick and heavy firepower,” added the IG.

A DG added that CRPF declared the leading operation force has regained a massive area and busted Maoist headquarters in West Bengal, Jharkhand, Odisha and Bihar.

He also added that in these states violence have reduced in a tremendous rate.