Centre must formulate action plan to contain naxalism : Raman

Raipur, Feb 8: Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Dr Raman Singh today urged the centre to formulate an integrated action plan to counter naxalite menace, saying that individual policies and piece-meal initiatives by states were not going to help contain the national problem.

Delivering the keynote address at the national conference on 'Maoist insurgency: Assessment of threat and doctrines and strategies of response', jointly organized by the state government and Institute of Conflict Management, he said a national strategy was necessary for a coherent response by all affected states to deal with the problem.

Dr Singh said such a comprehensive action plan could cover the socio-economic aspects of the affected region and other multi-pronged strategies to be adopted to tackle the naxalite problem, plaguing at least 165 districts in 14 states and affecting a population of about 300 million.

''Naxalism is not just a local law and order problem, confined to any state'', the Chief Minister said, adding the centre should formulate the action plan, in consultation with all concerned, and ask the respective states to implement it. ''Some states are keen on holding talks with the rebels while others want to take a tough stand. Such individual policies will not help'', he added.

''If rebel outfits Peoples War (PW) and Maoist Communist Centre (MCC) can merge together, why can't we unite and fight the naxalites?'', he asked.

Reiterating that the doors for talks were always open, the Chief Minister said the rebels should come forward and explain what they really want and policy changes were required. He said the Andhra Pradesh government had declared a ceasefire for holding talks with the rebels but they used the opportunity to regroup themselves.

Referring to the ongoing anti-naxal movement 'Salwa Judum' in tribal Bastar region, Dr Singh said it was a spontaneous movement launched by the people who were driven to desperation because of nearly three decade long violence and bloodshed.

Describing 'Salwa Judum' as a non-violent movement of non-cooperation against the naxalites, he said the poor tribals campaigned against the Maoist rebels, armed with AK 47 assault rifles and rocket launchers. The 'Salwa Judum' movement clearly indicated that the rebels, who had earlier won the confidence of the local people by portraying themselves as crusaders against exploitation, have now alienated from the common masses, he added..

''Salwa Judum will be written in golden letters in the history of the fight against naxalites'', he added.

State Home Minister Ram Vichar Netam, Security Advisor to Chhattisgarh government and former Director General of Punjab Police K P S Gill and other senior police officers associated with the anti-naxalite operations from neighbouring states including Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra are attending the two day conference aimed at bringing together diverse perspectives, academic research and experience of those who have handled counter-insurgency campaigns in order to generate an accurate threat assessment and to explore coherent responses.

UNI