Andhra Pradesh seeks Centre’s support to set up anti-narcotics force

Vijayawada: Andhra Pradesh sought the Centre's assistance in setting up an Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) and for capacity building and organising joint task forces with neighbouring states. Home minister Vangalapudi Anitha, chief secretary Neerab Kumar Prasad, and director general of police (DGP) Ch Dwaraka Tirumala Rao submitted various proposals from Andhra Pradesh in the meeting held by the Union home ministry with Left Wing Extremism (LWE) affected states.Anitha stated that the establishment of the ANTF will not only address the drug menace but also disrupt the financial networks that support Maoist activities. Andhra Pradesh submitted a proposal for an additional 1,455 km of roads in the LWE areas, apart from the already sanctioned 1,553 km. It was further mentioned that the state is in the process of setting up a Greyhounds training centre. Anitha said that an alternative land of 526 acres has been identified at Relli, Kothavalasa. The state govt requested the home minister to clear the project to enhance operational readiness.The state govt further requested the Union govt for the allotment of 800 Special Police Officers (SPOs) under the SRE scheme for the reorganised areas of ASR district. This manpower is crucial for anti-Naxal activities in these sensitive regions. The state govt also requested the return of the five Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) companies that were withdrawn for other duties in June 2023. The home minister sought reimbursement of Rs 25.69 crore towards the honorarium paid to SPOs and the expeditious completion of 53 mobile tower installation works.
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