Monday, March 21 2005 16:05 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Bangalore: Karnataka Chief Minister Dharam Singh today (March 21, 2005) reiterated the Government's readiness to solve the Naxal problem through dialogue but said if the Naxal menace comes in the way of law and order, Government would not hesitate to take action.

"We believe in ballot rather than bullet, in case there is a threat to the public and the State from them (Naxals), Government will take stringent action", he said replying to a debate on the issue in Legislative Council.

Even as the Government is ready to take up the Naxal challenge through developmental works, all measures will be taken to maintain law and order in the State, the Chief Minister said.

Government is ready to strengthen the police force on areas of the State bordering Andhra Pradesh to check Naxal activities, Singh said.

He said special attention would be paid to such areas including Pavagada taluk in Tumkur district where seven policemen were killed by Naxals recently. "I will visit Pavagada on March 26 and have a detailed discussion with the concerned officials and also people's representatives from the region on the Naxal problem".

Measures to rehabilitate the Naxals in the region and providing compensation to families of police personnel who lost their lives in the Naxal attack in Venkatammanahalli last month will be seriously considered, Singh said.

"Naxal problem is a socio-economic phenomenon and overall economic development of the oppressed sections is needed to solve it", he said.