Experts panel to study Chhattisgarh's naxal menace

Raipur, Mar 16 (UNI) The Chhattisgarh government will appoint a high-powered experts committee to study, analyse and suggest ways to tackle naxalism, particularly in the state's tribal Bastar region, Chief Minister Raman Singh announced in the Assembly today.

He was replying to a call attention notice by Leader of the Opposition Mahendra Karma and others on yesterday's killing of 55 security personnel in a rebel attack on Ranibodli police camp in Dantewada district.

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

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

Pointing out that naxalism was a problem being faced by several states, the Chief Minister said he felt a coordinated approach was imperative. ''In the light of recent developments, we wish to modify our policies and strategies,'' he added.

Referring to local youth being appointed as special police officers, Dr Singh said SPOs played a key role in assisting security personnel in anti-Maoist operations. He assured the House that providing insurance cover to SPOs would be considered.

Home Minister Ram Vichar Netam said that Bijapur's police superintendent received information within half an hour after the attack. The naxals heavily mined the area on the way to Ranibodli, ''making rapid movement difficult'' for security personnel in the region.

The Minister said nearly 2,500 personnel, who were imparted commando training at the Jungle Warfare School at Kanker, have already been deployed in rebel areas.

Leader of the Opposition Mahendra Karma said while SPOs have been deployed in naxal areas, trained security personnel were on VIPs' security detail.

Pointing out that the Communist Party of India (Maoist), at its recently held 9th party congress, resolved to unleash terror and target many leaders, he added the rebels never issue ''empty threats'' hence it should taken seriously.

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

UNI