Anti-naxal movement to spread to other states: Raman

Raipur, July 30 (UNI) 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 had 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.

UNI JJ AC 1317