Anti-naxal campaign strategy changed: Raman

Raipur, Nov 3 (UNI) Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh today said that the strategy for 'Salwa Judum' -- the ongoing anti-naxal campaign in Bastar -- had been altered in order to focus more on providing security to the tribals active in the nearly one-and-a-half-year-old movement against the Maoists.

''Earlier the locals, active in the anti-rebel campaign, used to organise massive rallies in the Maoist-affected villages to motivate the ultras and their supporters to return to the mainstream,'' he told reporters here.

However, Dr Singh said that it was a major task for the police and paramilitary forces to provide security to the Salwa Judum activists and the villagers, exposing them to assault by the extremists.

''At present the locals are visiting the problem villages in small clusters so that an effective security cover can be provided to them,'' he added.

Nearly 50,000 persons had to desert their native villages and take shelter in relief camps after the insurgents threatened to eliminate them for supporting Salwa Judum.

Reiterating that Salwa Judum was a spontaneous movement of the local tribals as they were driven to desperation because of naxal violence and bloodshed during the past three decades, Dr Singh said that this peace movement would continue even without any direct support from the government.

Pointing out that rehabilitation of those who had taken refuge in the camps was initially a challenge, the Chief Minister added that houses were being constructed and other arrangements were also in place in the camps.

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