Maoists are anti-poor, anti-development: Chidambaram

New Delhi, Apr 19 (ANI): Union Home Minister P Chidambaram on Monday described the Maoists as anti-poor and anti-development.

Addressing the Rajya Sabha, Chidambaram criticized some human right activists for extending their tacit support to the Maoists.

He said the Maoists have targeted all instruments of development.

"The Naxalites are anti-development and have targeted the very instruments of development - school buildings, roads, telephone towers etc. They know that development will mean the masses, especially poor tribals, wean them away from the grip of Naxalites," Chidambaram said.

"In 2009 alone, they have demolished 71 school buildings, 23 Panchayat Bhawans, two power plants, attacked 67 telephone exchanges or mobile towers were attacked, and demolished, 46 attacks on railway properties, 17 attacks on specific industrial establishments," he added.

Taking some human rights organizations to task, he said: "Will anyone, any of the Human Rights organisations, any of the NGOs, will they stand up and tell the people of this country, 'Rebuild these school buildings and we assure you that CPI (Maoists) will not attack any more school buildings?"

He reiterated that police action, would continue till territory under Maoist control is restored to the civic administration.

"Our response, therefore, will be police action to wrest the control of the territory that is now dominated by Naxalites, restoration of civil administration and undertaking development work. Meanwhile, we will encourage the state governments to talk to Naxalites, both individuals and local units, on the condition that they give up their misconceived armed liberation struggle," Chidambaram added.

In his address, Chidambaram accepted that development works in these areas are slow and money allotted does not get spent.

"Huge money is being spent under various programmes. Extra money is being given under various programmes. Unfortunately, not all the money is being spent," he said.

In the biggest attack of its kind, Maoists in Chhattisgarh ambushed at least 76 personnel of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) on April 6. (ANI)