Antony not for direct army intervention to curb naxalism

Bangalore, Apr 14 (UNI) Defence Minister A K Antony today firmly ruled out any direct action by the armed forces to curb the growing Naxal menace in the country.

Admitting that the increasing naxalite activities in the country was a ''menace,'' Mr Antony told newsmen here that the Armed Forces could not be used directly to curb them.'' It was for the States to use their police force and also the para military forces to check the naxal menace he said. However, the Army could play an indirect role by providing necessary training to various state police personnel to check naxalism, he added.

Referring to the growing threat on the coastal regions of the country, he said States should also go in for a specialised coastal police to curb threats from the sea. Navy and Coast Guard would be there to supplement the efforts of the State, he added.

UNI