'Anti-naxal movement to spread to other states'

Raipur, July 30: Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh today said 'Salwa Judum' the ongoing anti-Maoist movement in Bastar would provide fresh direction to other states in their fight against left-wing extremism.

Speaking on 'Chhattisgarh Vision-2010' at a programme organised by a TV news channel here, he said naxalism was a challenge to democracy and nearly 25 per cent of the country's population was directly affected by the menace.

Dr Singh said the people of Bastar launched 'Salwa Judum' as they were fed up with the nearly three-decade-old ultra violence which, he said, affected the tribal areas' pace of development.

''I am confident that the campaign will bring peace and development,'' he added.

Stating that there was a paucity of police personnel in Chhattisgarh as compared to the national average, the chief minister added that recruitment efforts were underway.

Admitting that socio-economic uplift of people and land reform in respective areas were imperative to check spread of insurgency, Dr Singh said steps have been taken for distribution of 36,000 'pattas' (land ownership deeds) to those living in forests but some legal wrangles stood in the way.

Once people receive 'pattas', the state would be able to provide irrigation and other facilities and the beneficiaries would also be able to avail benefits of various government schemes.

Meanwhile, CPI General Secretary A B Bardhan today urged the Chhattisgarh government to halt 'Salwa Judum' -- the ongoing anti-naxal movement in Bastar and initiate parleys with Maoists. Talking to reporters here, he said his party also raised the demand at the UPA coordination committee as several tribals were slain in Bastar since the movement began in June last year.

''Such a movement is not a solution to the rebel problem,'' he said and wondered why the Centre could not conduct talks with naxals when it could enter into a dialogue with extremist organisations of the Northeast.

When his attention was drawn to a reported ultra demand that Chief Minister Raman Singh must face a 'people's court' prior to any such dialogue, the CPI leader said there was no justification in such demands.

The CPI veteran described as ''irresponsible'' the statement of BJP President Rajnath Singh that those opposing 'Salwa Judum' were indirectly supporting the insurgents. ''It's the language of US President George W Bush. Those who are not supporting the US are its enemies,'' he alleged.

Pointing out that the CPI did not favour the means being adopted by naxals, Mr Bardhan said naxalism was a socio-economic challenge and counter-violence was no solution.

UNI