New Delhi: Voicing serious concern over the problem of left-wing extremism from
Nepal border to Andhra Pradesh, Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee on February 8
suggested creation of a unified command by nine affected states to mount well co-
ordinated anti-Naxalite operations.
"I would like to emphasise the need to remove all shortcomings in intelligence
sharing and mounting well-coordinated anti-Naxalite operations by the concerned
states. If necessary, this should be done under a unified command," he told the
Chief Ministers conference on internal security.
Observing that the persistent problem of left-wing extremism was a matter of serious
concern, Vajpayee said the situation was "particularly worrisome" since it affected
the most under-developed parts of the country, hampering Centre's and the concerned
state governments' efforts to speed up development.
"State governments should also accord higher priority to socio-economic development
of the districts affected by left-wing extremism," he said adding that scarcity of
funds had not been a critical bottleneck and that the problem lay in implementation.
Vajpayee said experience had shown that wherever government schemes and programmes
had been implemented well, with participation of local organisations and through
proper communication of government's objectives, the people themselves forced
extremist elements to stay off.
Stressing that development of physical and social infrastructure in Naxalite
affected areas must be accelerated, Vajpayee said construction of rural and district
roads in critical clusters, identified by the Union Home Ministry, should be taken
up on a priority basis under the Prime Minister's 'Gram Sadak Yojana' and with
Central road fund.
"If necessary, suitable relaxation in the guidelines may be made for execution of
these works," he said.
Priority should also be accorded in the affected areas to integrated implementation
of all Central and state schemes in healthcare, education and employment generation
with maximum involvement of 'panchayati raj' institutions and local community-based
organisations.
Vajpayee said the states should post their most experienced and committed police and
administrative officers in these districts.
PTI
