Raman calls for unified Naxal policy

The Centre is adopting a holistic approach, instead of leaving it to individual states, in tackling the menace of Naxalism, Chhattisgarh Chi...

The Centre is adopting a holistic approach, instead of leaving it to individual states, in tackling the menace of Naxalism, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh said today.

‘‘There has been a change in the Centre’s thinking in the last one year. The attempt is to adopt an integrated approach,’’ Singh said. Chhattisgarh has been asking the Centre to consider the problem in totality instead of taking it on state-wise.

Singh said he had told the Home Ministry that Naxalism was not a problem of an individual state but of the entire belt. ‘‘There is no

point in states talking individually to the Naxalites. Any programme should be holistic and not done in instalments,’’ Singh added.

‘‘It is not possible for states to do it individually as the problem is spread across various states and they lack the resources.’’ Chattisgarh is in the process of beefing up and modernising its police to deal with the menace but has asked for three battalions of CRPF to augment its force. It has also asked for partial funding to acquire a helicopter and landmine search vehicles.