States must upgrade op to tackle Naxalism: Patil

New Delhi, May 15: Remarks of Home Minister Shivraj Patil in the Lok Sabha that the Chhattisgarh government had been found wanting in tackling the Naxalite menace in the state caused an uproar in the House with BJP members rising to their feet accusing Mr Patil of deliberately singling out the BJP government.

Mr Patil said Chhattisgarh had been worst affected by the Naxalite problem but the state government's operation was not up to the mark despite the Centre gave maximum support to it.

Of the total Naxalite activities, as much as 40 per cent are concentrated in Chhattisgarh and the Centre has sent 13 battalions (13,000 personnel) of central reserve force there, besides some other required logistic facilities, including a helicopter, Mr Patil told the House while responding to queries during Question Hour.

He said the state governments should step up their efforts to gather intelligence and intensify operations to prevent and deal with Naxalite activities and violence.

On the part of the Central government, Mr Patil said, '' We will provide assistance to strengthen the states' operational capabilities through financial help, modernisation of police weaponry and communication network and related infrastructure besides providing additional paramilitary forces.

Mr Patil admitted that Naxalites were known to impart training to their cadres in isolated and inaccessible locations. And, the Central government was also aware of reports, from time to time, suggesting possible links among the Naxalites and other terrorists and secessionist outfits operating in various parts of the country.

UNI