I was not informed in time about Tuesday's meeting: Nitish Kumar

Kolkata, Feb 9 (ANI): Clarifying his stand on skipping Tuesday's meeting convened by Union Home Minister P Chidambaram to help the four Naxal-affected states of West Bengal, Orissa, Bihar and Jharkhand counter the Naxal problem; Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has said that he had prior commitments and was not informed about the meeting in advance.

Kumar said, "I had prior commitments to fulfill today and the Home Minister did not discuss these issues while fixing the dates."

"I don't think, we can solve these issues by applying force," added Kumar.

Kumar has sent Bihar Home Secretary for the meeting in his absence.

Official sources have said the meeting will review at length the strategy adopted to deal with Naxals in the three States and co-ordination among them as Naxals often from one State to another after committing a crime.

The discussion today will stress on the offensive that will be launched at the interstate junctions of West Bengal-Jharkhand or Bihar-Jharkhand, as these areas are considered to be a breeding ground of the Naxalites.

Issues of development will also be discussed during the daylong meet.

Director General of Police (DGP)'s of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Border Security Force (BSF) will also attend the meeting along with the top police officials of the Naxal-affected four states. (ANI)