Naxal leaders hindering development for vested interests: Jaiswal

Lucknow, Oct 12 (UNI) The Central Government today charged naxal leaders with hindering development in naxal-hit areas to further their vested interests.

Talking to reporters here, Union Minister of State for Home Sri Prakash Jaiswal claimed that lack of development had given rise to naxalism.

''Now, naxal leaders are against development in effected areas.

Development would check naxal activities. The fear of losing leadership over a large number of people is making them create hurdles in development work,'' he explained.

Mr Jaiswal claimed the Centre has been paying funds to states reeling under naxal threat. Funds have been provided under schemes including National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme, Pradhan Mantri Gramin Sadak Yojna, Central Roads Fund, he added.

The Centre is also buying 15 helicopters for the states to tackle the menace.

''We have also procured 100 armoured, anti-mine vehicles from the ministry of Defence. Force strength of Shashtra Seema Bal (SSB) and Central Reserve Police (CRP) would be increased one-and-a-half times their present strength, while more personnel would be inducted in the Indo-Tibetan Border Police Force (ITBPF),'' he informed.

Praising Andhra Pradesh, Orissa, Maharashtra and West Bengal for effectively checking the naxal menace, the Union Minister asked Jharkhand and Chattisgarh to take inspiration from neighbouring states in dealing with the situation. ''The two states should also co-ordinate with other states to tackle the situation,'' he added.

UNI NAB VS SHB ND1830