New Delhi:
The Cabinet Committee on Security has reportedly approved the government's new plan for countering Naxals.
Sources say police forces will form the first line of defence in different states.
The Centre's security forces will be called in only for special operations like evacuations. The Centre will, however, coordinate operations in border areas between different states.
The Air force will be allowed to use only small arms to fire back in self-defence in rare cases. This is to ensure civilians are not caught in any cross-fire.
Speaking to NDTV earlier this week, the Air Force Chief had said that India's armed forces should not be used for internal security.