CRPF to employ mules in Bastar region for carrying supplies

"In a bid to reduce the burden of security forces from carrying huge quantity of ration during anti-Naxal operations in the forest region, mules will be employed to carry their goods," a CRPF official said on the condition of anonymity.

Besides reducing their (security personnel) burden of carrying heavy quantity of ration during search operations, it will also help in the transportation of additional arms, according to a senior CRPF official.

"After walking 20 to 30 kilometres in jungle with heavy bags, jawans generally get stressed. In such situations they become soft target for the ultras. The use of mule in carrying goods will keep them physically on for long time in war zone," the official said, adding a mule can carry up to 72 kg on its back and walk 26 km without resting. Hence it would serve as good carrier in thick forest and mountainous region.

The mules will be initially employed for the paramilitary forces only while police may be allowed for the same later.

To start with, around 300 mules will be pressed into service, the officer said.

Spread over 40,000 sq km, Bastar region had witnessed a series of deadly attacks by Maoist insurgents in the past one decade.