MP govt worried over growing Naxal activities

Bhopal, Jun 18 (UNI) The rumble of rebel thunder is now being heard in Madhya Pradesh, in view of the increased Naxal activity in tribal-dominated districts of the state, which has set off government alarm bells.

Official sources said the government has already declared Balaghat, Mandla and Dindori as insurgency-affected but the Naxals expanded tentacles to bordering districts in Sidhi, Shahdol and Umaria.

Extortion from contractors and issuance of threats have begun in the state.

Former state chief minister Uma Bharti recently said that ultras have become active in Betul but alleged that the government was not paying attention.

Talking to UNI, Minister of State for Home Nagendra Singh admitted that the Naxal expansion was a cause for concern. Stray incidents came to light and caution has to be exercised in affected districts bordering Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra.

The Minister said extremists, who believed in gaining power at gunpoint, took advantage of tribal-dominated villagers.

''Although police and other security forces are doing their task in maintaining law and order in these areas, continued alertness is imperative. The government is also closely monitoring the situation,'' he claimed.

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