Manmohan Singh discusses Maoist issue with civil society members

New Delhi, Jan 18 (ANI): Seeking to find plausible measures to curtail rampant Maoist extremism in the country, the Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, met a delegation of academics, artistes and intellectuals here and discussed the issue.

Besides several members of the civil society, the delegation included Brattya Basu and Saoli Mitra, renowned theatre personalities from West Bengal, and activist Abhiroop Shankar.

The meeting sought to identify plausible measures to curtail the threat of Maoist extremism.

Expressing their concern, the activists urged Dr. Singh to end the killing of innocent people.

"Something has to be done to stop the process of killings. That was the main emphasis that was given by us. We do feel that day after day, eight, ten, twelve people are being killed in the state that is not fair. There should be some faces who will come and protect those innocent people," said Saoli Mitra.

According to the delegation, Dr Singh assured them of full support and appeared 'sympathetic' to their cause.

"He was quite sympathetic to our cause. He said he is aware of the situation in West Bengal. But he also said he has to work within the limits of the constitution and of the legal framework of the country. Because law and order is a state subject, there are certain restrictions that the centre can do. But he will definitely look into the matter," said Abhiroop Shankar.

The rebels have spread into the rural pockets of 20 of India's 28 states. (ANI)