eGoM to tackle terrorism, Naxalism: PM

New Delhi, Sep 5 (UNI) An empowered Group of Ministers (eGoM), chaired by Home Minister Shivraj Patil, was set up today to take head-on the twin problems of terrorism and Naxalism in various parts of the country.

The decision on the eGoM, which will include Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee and Finance Minister P Chidambaram and a few Chief Ministers, was taken at a meeting of Chief Ministers convened by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to discuss measures to strengthen internal security.

Briefing reporters on the deliberations of the day-long meeting, Home Minister Shivraj Patil and National Security Advisor (NSA) M K Narayanan said the eGoM was set up at the instance of the Prime Minister and suggestions from the Chief Ministers.

While Dr Singh had proposed to set up the empowered committee with the Home Minister and Chief Ministers as members, some of the Chief Ministers wanted the inclusion of the Finance and Planning Ministers as dealing with Naxalism and terrorism also had economic aspects such as development of neglected states like the North-East and generation of employment.

The meeting, held from 1000 hrs till 1630 hrs at the 7 Race Course residence of the Prime Minister without any break, was attended by Chief Ministers from all but five states which were represented by other Ministers or the Chief Secretaries, Mr Patil said.

The Defence Minister would also be part of the eGoM as he was a member of the Union Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), the Home Minister said.

Under another major decision taken at the meeting, security forces would take the help of independent organisations from sections of the local community such as traders for intelligence gathering for prevention of pre-planned surprise attacks by terrorists and Naxalites.

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