C'garh must get special package to deal with naxalism:Minister

Bhopal, Apr 29 (UNI) Chhattisgarh Forest, Revenue and Culture Minister Brajmohan Agrawal today demanded that the Centre provide special package to Chhattisgarh for dealing with naxal menace considering it a national problem.

Agreeing that there has been a spurt in naxal violence recently, Mr Agrawal told reporters here that common people had challenged the ultras by launching anti-naxal 'Salwa Judum' movement.

Naxalites, who were frustrated because of the movement, have started targeting common people in retaliation.

He said the Centre must provide special package to Chhattisgarh considering its geography.

Asserting that it was the right time to declare naxalism a national problem, Mr Agrawal said all possible assistance must be provided to naxal-affected states.

Replying to a question, he denied the Centre was not providing required assistance as Chhattisgarh was a BJP-ruled state. However, he said, the Centre did not appear to be serious in tackling naxalism.

The Minister said the ultras, who had a Leftist bent of mind, were more aggressive towards the BJP.

He said naxals did not believe in India's constitution and their single aim was to fulfil their selfish interests.

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