Govt committed to curb naxal violence: MHA

New Delhi, Apr 23 (UNI) The number of naxalites killed has increased while civilian and police personnel casualties decreased during the first three months of this year as compared to corresponding period last year with the number of security personnel deployed and funds granted to states to combat the naxal violence had increased, Home Ministry report said today.

However, the ministry has asked states not to conduct any peace dialogue with naxalite groups unless they give up crime, violence and arms, the status paper on Internal Security and Status Paper on Naxal Violence 2007-08 released by the Ministry said here.

Asserting that the government remains committed to deal strongly with naxalites indulging in crime and violence, the ministry asked the states to further improve the police response and pursue effective and sustained police action agianst naxalites, individually and jointly. It also emphasised the need for dealing with naxalites in a holistic manner in the arenas of security, development, administration and public perception management.

The Centre has deployed 33 battalion of Central Paramilitary forces on anti-naxalite duties for assisting the state police forces and recently four more battalion have been provided to Chhatisgarh and one battalion to Jharkhand to assist the state police force in anti-naxal operations. Twenty six Reserve Battalion have been sanctioned in the states concerned and recently another six India Reserve Battalion have been sanctioned.

The government has also decided to expeditiously investigate and prosecute naxalite crimes and ensure all round development of affected areas with qualitative implementation of central and state development schemes and with fair deal to deprived segments. Appropriate mechanism for grievance redressal, public contact and public awareness be created so that an overall positive environment and confidence of the people in the state administrative machinery goes up.

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