Naxal violence up in Chattisgarh due to Salwa Judam: Duggal

Hyderabad, July 4 (UNI) Barring Chattisgarh, naxal activities in other states had come down compared to the previous year, according to Union Home Secretary V K Duggal.

Speaking to reporters here today, Mr Duggal said stray incidents of naxal violence were reported in all naxal-infested states. But in Chattisgarh, naxal violence had gone up. 'Salwa Judam (anti-naxal) movement has had its impact on naxals in the state. As a result the naxal-violence has gone up', he said.

The Union Home Secretary said the Centre's aim was not to kill naxals. Police had to use force only when naxals took the law into their own hands. ''The Centre is ready to extend rehabilitation to naxals who are willing to surrender and join the mainstream.

However, there cannot be any dialogue with the naxals as long as they continue their outlaw activities.'' Mr Duggal said there was good coordination between intelligence agencies and the governments of naxal infested states. Andhra Pradesh had done a good job containing naxal activities in the state.

UNI ASJ MSJ DS11655