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The Indian government will launch an offensive against Naxals in various states later this year using Indian Air Force helicopters for movement of troops and satellite images to carry out surgical strikes.
The anti-Naxal force Commando Battalion for Resolute Action will lead the operations in coordination with the state police and paramilitary forces like the Central Reserve Police Force, the Border Security Force and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police, a senior home ministry official said on Tuesday.
The Indian Air Force will provide helicopters for the movement of troops.
Another unique feature will be the role of Indian Space Research Organisation for providing satellite images and National Technical Research Organisation to fine-tune the strategies.
The CoBRA personnel, who have already being stationed in various areas, are now focusing on spreading their intelligence network. The intelligence wing of BSF, which has been roped in for the renewed fight against the Maoists, will also be used to "get specific intelligence for surgical strikes".
The official said the recent anti-Naxal operations carried out by the CoBRA personnel in Dantewada district of Chhattisgarh cannot be regarded as the beginning of the Centre's strategy to take on Left-wing extremists who now control an area of about 40,000 km in the country.
"The real operation is yet to start. This (Dantewada operation) cannot be regarded as the first phase of what is being planned," he said.
Ministry sources said the government is in the process of providing specialised training to selected security forces to take on the Naxals which includes military-style training and setting up of ambushes.
Referring to the recent advertisements in national and regional dailies regarding the 'cold blooded murderers' carried out by Naxals, sources said these were part of the new psychological warfare launched against the Maoists.
Also, they will put up hoardings, banners and wall paintings in Naxal-infested districts of various states informing people about the evil designs of the Maoists. Non-governmental organisations and street theatre groups will also be roped in for the purpose.