Naxalism threat to democracy: C'garh Governor

Raipur, Jan 26: Chhattisgarh governor E S L Narasimhan today termed Naxalism as a threat to nation's unity and integrity as well as to democratic set up saying that rebels infiltration in world's largest Republic was a matter of serious concern.

Addressing the Republic day function after unfurling the tri-colour and taking salute of an impressive parade at the police ground here, he said it was a challenge before the nation as many states, including seven out of 16 districts of Chhattisgarh, were facing violent Naxalite activities.

Referring to the ongoing anti-Maoist movement in tribal Bastar region of the state, the governor described as unique the 'Salwa Judum' campaign launched by the tribals against the violent forces opposed to development. He lauded the 'Salwa Judum' campaign saying that it was infact an effort by the forest dwellers to protect democracy and nation's unity and integrity.

Mr Narasimhan, who took over as state's new governor yesterday , paid rich tributes to all those who had lost their lives in Naxalite violence. '' Campaign by the villagers against organised violent forces is a difficult task but I am confident that justice and truth will prevail'', he added.

Pointing out that the state government was providing all support 'Salwa Judum' campaign and for rehabilitation of those who were associated with the movement, the governor called upon the people to extend all possible help to them.

Mr Narasimhan said the efforts should be aimed at ensuring that all those people, who have been displaced and taken shelter in the relief camps, returned to their native villages.

'' The state will start treading a new path of development on the day when Naxalism is eradicated'', he added.

Pointing out that the overall development of the state was not possible without development of tribal and rural areas, Mr Narasimhan said the state government has accorded top priority to welfare and other schemes meant for the upliftment of the people. Throwing light on the initiatives taken to improve the lot of farmers, the governor said 36 lakh metric tonnes of paddy had been procured on support price during the last kharif season. '' Through this process, Rs 2100 crores reached the farmers'', he added.

Besides, the farmers were also motivated to opt cultivation of cash crops and total area of cultivation has been increased by 29 per cent during the last three years, he said adding that it indicated the growing prosperity among the farmers.

Referring to industrialisation, the governor said the state government has been successful in motivating investors to set up their projects in the most backward areas. He said memorandua of understanding (MOU) for investment of about Rs 75,000 crore were signed and many of these projects were proposed to come up in the tribal areas of Bastar and Sarguja regions.

' Chhattisgarh has vast natural resources and huge potential for development.It can become one of the most prosperous state'', he added.

Later, children drawn from various schools and local artists presented colourful cultural programmes.

Chief minister Dr Raman Singh hoisted the national flag at Jagdalpur, the district headquarters of Bastar while home minister Ram Vichar Netam unfurled the tri-colour at Ambikapur in Sarguja district.

UNI