Naxalism threat to democracy, says Chhattisgarh Governor

Raipur, Feb 19 (UNI) Chhattisgarh Governor E S L Narasimhan today described naxalism as a challenge being faced by the nation saying that it was also posing threat to democracy.

In his maiden address in the state assembly on the opening day of budget session, he lauded the consensus among political parties over dealing with naxalite menace and the 'spontaneous' movement launched by the people against the Maoist violence.

Pointing out that peoples' cooperation and adequate security arrangements were required to tackle the problem, the Governor said the security forces were being provided modern weapons and communication systems. A total of 6423 new posts of security personnel have been sanctioned and 2500 have already been filled up, he added.

Referring to the initiatives taken by the state government to improve the lot of farmers, Mr Narasimhan said agriculture loans were being provided to farmers at seven percent interest. About Rs 30 crore has been earmarked for advancing loans to farmers from cooperative banks at Jagdalpur and Bilaspur, he said, adding the state has accepted Vaidyanathan committee recommendations to revive the cooperative credit institutions.

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