‘War-time efforts needed to eliminate naxal problem’

A Congress member expressed serious concern over the spate in naxal attacks in different parts of the country and demanded creation of a specialised force to operate along with state police in the infected areas.

A Congress member on Thursday expressed serious concern in the Rajya Sabha over the spate in naxal attacks in different parts of the country and demanded creation of a specialised force to operate along with state police in the infected areas.

Raising the matter through a Private Members’ Resolution, B S Gnanadesikan said the increase in attacks indicates that the naxalites were consolidating their presence across the country.

He felt the state police forces were “ill-equipped” to counter the naxal attacks and their activities.

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The Congress member said nearly 700 people, including about 250 security personnel, have been killed in naxal related violence during the last two years.

The absence of awareness against the dangerous prevalence of naxalites in rural and jungle villages has caused expansion of naxal network, he said.

He also said that many security personnel have been killed in naxal prone areas by contracting water-borne diseases by drinking contaminated water.

Urging the government to take “war-time steps” to eliminate naxal problem, Gnanadesikan suggested deployment of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) in affected areas and payment of additional allowance to the jawans posted in naxal-hit areas in addition to nutritious diet allowance.

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He demanded medical facilities to security personnel who are posted in affected areas and accelerated development activities in those places.

He also suggested involvement of local leaders to prevent people from joining the naxal movement.