he Indian government has agreed on a new tactic to fight Maoists who are operating in several states.
Officials say state police are to take the lead in co-ordinating operations against the Maoists, while central forces are only to lend assistance.
The decision came hours after at least 17 policemen were killed in a battle with Maoist insurgents in the western state of Maharashtra.
India says that Maoist insurgents pose its biggest security threat.
They operate in many states and say they are fighting for the rights of the poor and landless.
Remanded
Maoists have a presence in over 223 of India's 600-odd districts across 20 states, according to the government.
Around 70,000 central paramilitary troops along with elite commando and special forces will be deployed in the upcoming operation against the rebels.
The troops will be provided cover by the army and armoured air force helicopters.
A senior government official told the BBC that the operation is to be launched within weeks to "wipe out the top leadership" of the rebels and secure some 40,000 sq km of territory that is being held by them.
The government believes there are less than 20 top rebel leaders, nearly 30 commanders, and some 12,000 cadres.
A top Maoist leader recently told the BBC that their strength was "overestimated" by the government.
Read more @ BBC News
maoists = communists. who are fighting the government. and the government has decided to fight back militarily - and that does it seem to be all the rage in neighbouring Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
"For too long, we have been a passively tolerant society, saying to our citizens 'as long as you obey the law, we will leave you alone'" - David Cameron, UK Prime Minister. 13 May 2015.