Battling Maoists: Home ministry clears proposal to buy motorcycles for BSF, CRPF

NEW DELHI: Home minister Rajnath Singh’s two-kilometre long motorcycle ride through the hotbed of Maoist insurgency in Jharkhand’s Saranda forests on Tuesday signified more than just a photo op.

The ministry is in the process of clearing a proposal from paramilitary forces CRPF and BSF to buy over 5,000 motorcycles for its troops battling Maoists as twowheelers have emerged as the "safest" mode of transport for troops in the region, given the use of landmines by ultras to target cops. BSF last week sent a proposal to the home ministry, seeking 10 new motorcycles for each of its companies posted in Maoist-infested areas, a ministry official said.

The CRPF was recently provided 2,000 motorcycles for its troops deployed in such areas. Singh rode one of these new bikes. "CRPF wants 3,000 more motorcycles and that proposal is also under process," said the official.