Expert panel to study Naxalite problem in Chhattisgarh

Raipur, Mar 16 (UNI) Chhattisgarh government will appoint a high powered expert committee to study, analyse and suggest ways to tackle the problem of Naxalism, particularly in tribal Bastar region of the state, Chief Minister Raman Singh announced in the Vidhan Sabha today.

He was replying to a call attention notice of leader of the opposition Mahendra Karma and others on the killing of 55 security personnel in a naxalite attack at Ranibodli police camp in Dantewada district.

Mr Singh said the committee, compirsing experts in various fields including of security and socio-economic aspects, would be entrusted with the task of making a comprehensive assessment of the situation and suggesting multi-pronged strategies to deal with the problem.

''The committee will recommend short term and long term measures to be implemented at the ground level'', he said and assured the house that the state government would strictly implement the suggestions putforth by the expert committee.

Pointing out that Naxalism was a problem being faced by many states, the chief minister said he felt a coordinated approach was necessary to deal with the problem. '' In the light of the recent developments, we want to change our policies and strategies to tackle the Maoists'', he added.

Referring to the local youth being appointed as special police officers, Dr Singh said SPOs played an important role in assisting the security personnel in anti-naxalite operations. He assured the house to consider providing insurance cover to the SPOs.

State home minister Ram Vichar Netam said Bijapur superintendent of police had received information within half an hour after the attack at Ranibodli police station. The Maoists had heavily mined the area on way to Ranibodli, making fast movement difficult for security forces in the region, he added.

The minister said nearly 2500 personnel, who have been imparted commando training at the Jungle Warfare school at Kanker, have already been deployed in the naxalite-affected areas.

Mr Karma said while SPOs have been deployed in the naxalite areas, trained security personnel were being posted for VIP and other security.

Pointing out the Communist Party of India (Maoists) at its recently held 9th Party Congress had resolved to unleash terror and target many leaders, he said the rebels never gave ''hollow threats'' hence they should taken seriously.

He urged the state government to take concrete steps to provide adequate security to protect life and property in Bastar.

UNI