New dispensation mulling balanced approach to tackle Maoist menace

Taking a tough stand against the problem of Naxalism, Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday met top bureaucrats from all 10-Naxal affected States and cleared that his Government won't involve in talks with the red terrorists but would adopt a balanced approach. It will be a major challenge for the new regime to combat the ultras to resolve country's internal security.

"There is no question of any talks now. We will take a balanced approach. But the forces will give a befitting reply if the Naxals launch attacks," Singh told reporters after chairing a high-level meeting.

Rajnath during his meeting with the top civil and police brass has offered full support to the states by reiterating that no stones will be left unturned to find a solution to the Left Wing Extremism. Home Minister assured the security forces of all sorts of logistical and financial support from the Centre and asked them to intensify their operations against Maoists.

NDA Government mulling to find a solution to Left Wing Extremism

In the meeting, the States unanimously decided to undertake a four-pronged approach to tackle the Naxal problem taking into account security and development issues, entitlement to social welfare schemes like providing land authorisation and right to avail Government policies by the tribals and locals.

The Minister has asked the States to appoint young, bold and courageous district magistrates and superintendents of police in Naxal-hit districts to provide better administration and good leadership.

Cases of Maoist attacks with security forces on its radar have increased in the past few years. To deal with this situation, Odisha DGP has reportedly demanded more Centre-State co-ordination and choppers, in the meeting. In reply to that, the Home Minister asked the States to build road networks which will help in the movement of security forces and also that will ensure developmental work percolating down to far flung areas.

These suggestions by the NDA Government corroborates that it is serious to take the Maoist menace affront.

Shri Rajnath Singh asked LWE affected states to designate nodal officers for coordination with Centre and other concerned states.

— PIB India (@PIB_India) June 27, 2014

Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his election campaigns in all these Naxal-infested States has promised zero tolerance policy against brutal actions of the red ultras. The BJP even in its election manifesto had promised to revive the anti-terror mechanism in the country which was stopped by the UPA due to absence of a clear vision. Rajnath's meet with the top officials could be seen as a positive step towards the same.

Apart from reviving its unified mechanism the Government has promised to bring significant changes in technology and equip the forces with modern combat weapons.

18 big and small attacks on security forces since 2008 have claimed the lives of more than 300 soldiers deployed in Maoist hotbeds. This picture itself reveals the need for technological development of the troops as extremists are equipped with modern of the weapons and artilleries.

As promised by the BJP, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) also needs to be strengthened. The Government must create a system to ensure swift and fair disposal of terror-related cases. Rajnath Singh as the Home Minister must ensure better coordination between NIA and other intelligence agencies to keep away political interference.

There is a daunting task in front of Narendra Modi Government, which is taking positive steps to improve its bilateral relations with its neighbours, to face the internal threats with same vigour and force. Going with the track record of this Government, one can hope that some positive changes on the issue definitely be worked out.