Chhattisgarh Assembly’s answer to Naxals: let’s discuss, in secret

In an unprecedented move, the Chhattisgarh Assembly has decided to hold an in-camera session on July 25 to discuss rising Naxal violence and related issues. The state government claims it’s a matter of “national security” and, therefore, cannot be discussed in an open house.

This will be the first time that the Assembly meets behind closed doors. All galleries, including the Press gallery, will remain vacant. Only a few senior officials, directly dealing with the issue, will be allowed. Defending this, state Home Minister Ram Vichar Netam said issues related to national security can’t be discussed in an open house. He said the in-camera session will also try to come up with a policy on combating Naxals.

Leader of Opposition Mahendra Karma agreed with the Home Minister that it was “not proper to have an open discussion” on the Naxal problem. “We can’t discuss strategies regarding anti-Naxal operations in an open house. We hope the government listens to our suggestions,” Karma said.

The meeting was convened after Chief Minister Raman Singh agreed to the Opposition demand for talks.