Terrorism, naxalism pose threat to nation: Rajnath

Raigarh, Apr 9: Bharatiya Janata Party President Rajnath Singh today demanded the Centre to issue a white paper on the security situation, saying terrorism and naxalism were posing a threat to the nation.

Addressing a press conference here during his ongoing 'Bharat Suraksha Yatra', he said the Centre must exert pressure on Pakistan to dismantle terrorist training camps inside its territory or it must take effective steps to destory these camps.

Pointing out that naxalism posed a serious challenge, Mr Singh said nearly 220 districts were under the grip of naxal menace and the left wing extremists were making efforts to build a ''red corridor'' from Nepal to Andhra Pradesh.

He also alleged that the Maoists have a nexus with Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) of Pakistan.

Alleging that the UPA government at the Centre was not serious over the naxalite problem, the BJP president said it should take opposition parties and people into confidence on this issue.

He said the BJP-ruled states would extend full cooperation to the Centre in its efforts to tackle the problem but it must reciprocate by not discriminating against them in providing assistance.

Urging the CPI(Maoist) to shun violence and return to the national mainstream, he said the government would not hesitate to hold talks with them if they laid down their weapons.

The BJP president hailed the 'Salwa Judum', the anti-naxalite movement in Bastar, saying people of all other affected states should also come forward to launch a similar movement in their respective states.

He described as baseless reports that 'Salwa Judum' movement has come to a halt saying that he had already discussed it with Chief Minister Raman Singh and Home Minister Ramvichar Netam.

Advocating that those living in the forests should get ownership rights of their land, Mr Singh said his party would extend support if the Centre brought a legislation in Parliament in this regard.

''We have apprised about our views but the Centre's stand is not still clear,'' he added.

UNI

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