Naxal-affected states agreed for creation of a Unified Command and deployment of additional helicopters to bolster anti-Maoist operations Naxal-affected states have unanimously agreed for creation of a Unified Command and deployment of additional helicopters to bolster anti-Maoist operations. The Unified Command, with a retired Major General rank officer onboard, will be created in Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Jharkhand and West Bengal. More helicopters will be deployed for logistical support, troop movement, supplies and evacuation. <br/><br/>The crucial meeting of the Chief Ministers of the Naxal affected states in New Delhi today has also approved raising of 34 new battalions of India Reserve Battalion for combating Left-wing extremism. It cleared other proposals related to induction of more Special Police Officers and exclusive development schemes for the Maoist-hit states. <br/><br/>The government will fund the establishment and strengthening of 400 police stations in the affected districts at the rate of two crore rupees per police station. The centre's share will be 80 percent and the States will bear 20 percent of the cost for a period of two years.<br/><br/>Concluding the meeting, the Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh reassured the Naxal affected states that the centre will spare no stones unturned in providing support to them to deal with the menace. The Prime Minister reiterated the need for dealing with the development issues together. <br/><br/>Home Minister Chidambaram said the decisions were taken in the light of experience gained in the last six months. He said Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Orissa and West Bengal will be requested to appoint an officer of the rank of Inspector General of Police to co-ordinate the anti-Naxal operations with their counterparts in the CRPF.<br/><br/>The Home Minister said, the road connectivity in 34 districts most affected by Maoist menace will also be improved at a cost of 950 Crore Rupees.<br/><br/>The meeting was attended by Chief Ministers of Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Orissa, Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh. While Jharkhand was represented by its Governor, West Bengal sent a senior minister for the meet.