Bhubaneswar, July 29 (IANS) To reduce its dependence on central paramilitary forces, Orissa will increase the strength of its Special Operation Group (SOG) -- a specialised anti-Maoist force -- to combat violence in the state, an official said Friday.
"We have decided to create 35 more units of the Special Operation Group this year," state Home Secretary U.N. Behera told reporters. One unit of the group consists of about 30 personnel.
Maoists are active in 20 of Orissa's 30 districts. The state currently has 50 units of the SOG deployed in rebel-affected areas.