Naxalism should be fought politically:PM

New Delhi, Apr 13 (UNI) Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today underlined the need for greater inter-state co-ordination and joint or unified command for areas badly affected by naxalism, but said naxalism should be fought politically.

Offering the Centre's help, Dr Singh in a meeting with the Chief Ministers of six naxalism-affected states, said that the need was to fight naxalism politically and urged the states to show will power.

Dr Singh also highlighted the need for improving collection and use of intelligence on strength, weapons, membership, locations and links of naxal groups.

He also underlined the need to strengthen the local police, equip them and train them and suggested the setting up of dedicated anti-naxal wings under capable officers.

The Chief Ministers attending the meeting met the Prime Minister at his residence this morning.

Referring to the need to address deprivation syndrome, Dr Singh emphasised proper implementation of targeted schemes like Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme.

He also stressed the need for better utilisation and monitoring of schemes, waiver of debts by money lenders and closure of petty forest offences.

Every poor family in the severely affected districts should be covered under a welfare scheme and given support, he added.

Turning to the changing trends in the naxal movement, he expressed serious concern over growing militarisation, use of better trained and armed personnel, large scale assaults, good coordination and alleged external links.

The Chief Ministers of Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Orissa and Bihar participated in the meeting.

UNI AJ SB ND1434