Chidambaram rules out using military in anti Maoist operations

Lalgarh, (West Bengal), Apr 4 (ANI): Union Home Minister P Chidambaram on Sunday ruled out involvement of military in ongoing anti-Maoist operations.

Chidambaram's statement came during his visit to the Naxal heartland of Lalgarh region in West Bengal's West Midnapore District.

"No, we are not contemplating military action against the Naxals and state police, state armed police and paramilitary forces alone will be deployed to fight the Naxals," Chidambaram said while interacting with media on the sidelines of his visit.

Chidambaram's statement came two days after new Army Chief General V K Singh expressed his unwillingness over involvement of armed forces in the operation against the Naxals.

"The Naxalite problem is a law and order problem, which is a state subject. It stems from certain issues on the ground, be it of governance, be it of administration, be it of socio-economic factors," Gen Singh had said.

"Since it is not a secessionist movement, I think our polity is astute and wise enough to know the implications of using the Army against their own people," he added. (ANI)