Centre must formulate action plan to curb naxalism : Raman

Raipur, Feb 8 (UNI) Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh today urged the centre to formulate an integrated action plan to counter naxalite menace, saying that individualistic 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 should 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 individualistic 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. He said the Andhra Pradesh government had declared a ceasefire for holding talks with the rebels but they used the opportunity to regroup themselves.

More UNI