Nine CRPF men injured in naxal attack

Agencies

Raipur: At least three CRPF personnel were killed and nine policemen injured in a naxal attack in Chhattisgarh's Kanker District last night.

The injured have been admitted to a government hospital in Raipur.

Over 70 districts in the country are affected by Left wing extremism, which has been described by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh as a "virus" and the biggest internal security threat.

In continuing naxal violence in around a dozen states, over 400 people, including over 150 security men, have been killed so far this year.

The Government recently approved formation of a 10,000-strong special anti-Naxal force "COBRA" - Combat Battalion for Resolute Action - to tackle the menace.

In another decision, the Union Cabinet approved creation of 48 new posts of Special Directors General, Additional Directors General and Inspectors General in various central police organisations keeping in view functional necessity.

These posts will strengthen the supervisory structure of these organisations for better command and control.