DG Prakash Mishra sets 'zero casualty' target for CRPF

BHUBANESWAR: Newly appointed CRPF DG Prakash Mishra today said his top priority would be to ensure 'zero casualty' in the largest para-military force in India.

"We will prepare appropriate strategies to minimise casualties in the force through changes in the deployment pattern, better intelligence gathering and more effective coordination with states' police forces," Mishra told two Odia television channels immediately after taking over as the new CRPF DG.

Stating that he would use the experience gathered in tacking the left wing extremists (LWE) in Odisha while working as the Director General of the state police, Mishra said he would make sure that successful tackling of the Maoist menace in other parts of the country would also be part of his strategy.

Replying to a question on the Odisha government's demand of more helicopters and central force to tackle the LWE menace in the state, Mishra said there was no problem in this regard.

"The state government has to make proper demand in this regard. As such Odisha government has choppers for the purpose of operation. When major operation takes place, the central agency will arrange additional chopper if required. The CRPF do not decide where to send force. It is up to the central government," he said.

Mishra had earlier worked as the DG, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and Director General of Police (DGP) in Odisha.