Counter-Maoist strategy to be reshaped: Govt Sources

New Delhi, June 7: The increasing insurgency of Maoists and Naxals in the jungle areas has stirred the Centre. Hence, after a series of meetings in the Home Ministry, the Centre has reportedly decided to reshape its internal

strategy, especially the plans to counter the Maoists.

Home Minister Rajnath Singh met with the heads of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) on Friday and discussed measures to strengthen the security in the Maoist-dominated areas. Also, one of the suggestions included the renaming of the government's Naxal Management Division as Left Wing Extremism Division. The notification is likely to be issued in a few day's time.

However, among the most important decisions is the decision to revert to the "security first" approach in dealing with the Maoists. The new policies further re-establish necessity to secure the area where development projects are to be taking place for the safety of the agencies involved in the same.

The UPA-II rule, for a very brief period of time has implemented the "clear, hold and develop" on the same lines; however, the pro-development lobby did not allow its full functioning. Basically, the strategy involves using security forces to drive out Maoists from a particular area and then implementing the projects.

Yesterday's meeting was fruitful in many other ways too when the heads of CAPFs proposed enhancement of hardship allowance for security forces working in anti-Maoist operations. The allowance, they demanded, should be at par with those given to their counterparts deployed in Jammu and Kashmir and in north-eastern states.

Inside sources reveal an incentive model for administrators like District Collectors and Superintendents of Police (SPs), posted in Maoist-affected districts, has also been proposed.

Simultaneously, the Home ministry also stressed on according priority to telecom projects and road construction in Naxal-hit areas, say sources.

OneIndia News