Joint efforts must to tackle Maoists, says Raman

Raipur, Aug 15 (UNI) Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Dr Raman Singh today said the Centre has realised the importance of 'Salwa Judum'-- the ongoing peoples' movement against Maoists in Bastar-- and joint efforts were required to eradicate the Naxalite menace in the country.

Addressing the gathering at the Independence day celebrations after unfurling the national flag at the police ground here, he said his government had extended all support to the local people of tribal Bastar when they launched 'Salwa Judum', which means peace mission in a local dialect, against Naxalite violence.

''The victims of violence rose against the armed violence by the rebels. The Naxalites, out of fear of being isolated, unleashed terror, killing the innocent people in the villages and even those who had taken shelter in the relief camps,'' he said adding that the ''martyrdom'' of these innocent tribesmen would not go waste.

Asserting that it was with the efforts of the state that the Centre has now realised the importance of ongoing '' Salwa Judum' in Bastar'', the Chief Minister said a joint effort by the people, the Centre and the states concerned would help wipe out Naxalism.

'' I salute the forest dwellers of Bastar for their courage for launching a campaign to protect country's unity, freedom and preserve its democracy,'' Mr Singh added.

Claiming that Chhattisgarh, which was carved out as a new state in November 2000, has been making all round progress, the Chief Minister said his government has initiated several measures to improve the lot of the farmers.

Besides providing short term agriculture loan at seven percent, rate of the interest the Chief Minister said planned efforts were being made to develop more irrigation facilities. ''We have formulated a three- year action plan to bring state's irrigation potential on a par with the national average of 49 per cent sowing area.'' More UNI JJ VA HT1545