Raman Singh calls for national policy on naxalism

New Delhi, Sep 5 (UNI) Calling for a national policy to effectively contain the naxal menace, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh today pleaded for constituting an Expert Committee to suggest ways and means to tackle the problem as the best way out.

The Expert Committee should consist of experts from the Armed Forces, para-military forces, Union Home Ministry, Intelligence Bureau and the State police, Mr Raman Singh said speaking at a meeting of the Chief Ministers convened by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Internal Security at his residence here.

Dr Singh said lack of political clarity and consensus to tackle the naxalite menace was the biggest obstacle in countering the naxalite problem in the states, including Chhattisgarh.

He stressed the need for an integrated strategy or action plan with proper coordination among the affected states to fight naxalism.

He felt the existing "battalion approach" was not good enough to contain the increasing influence of naxalites.

Stating that naxalites use inter-state borders as their safe heaven, Dr Singh called for inter-state border policing to counter the naxalite menace. The national highways and the state highways were also being used for logistic support, he said and suggested that 24 hour policing of this area with propercoordination among the states would go a long way in countering naxalism.

Dr Singh urged the Prime Minister to provide state-of-the-art technology to increase the capacity of the state police.

Technological support can be of great advantage to the police,he said. He also suggested setting up of "jungle warfare school" on the pattern of one set up by the Chhattisgarh government. He wanted the Centre to set up similar training institutions in other naxalite affected states.

UNI YS LS VA RS1928