CRPF to be withdrawn from Kandhamal in phases

The state government has urged the centre to withdraw the CRPF from Kandhamal district in a phased manner. According to the government, newly recruited police personnel will replace the CRPF in Kandhamal soon. The government is in the process of recruiting about 3,000 police personnel by March 2009.

The CRPF personnel were scheduled to stay in Kandhamal district till December 31, 2008. However, the duration was extended till mid-January following the request made by the state government to the centre.