Saturday, April 16 2005 11:34 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Government yesterday (Apr 14, 2005) announced formation of an Apex committee of Chief Ministers, headed by Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil, to deal with the naxal problem by adopting a multi-pronged strategy, which includes tough policing.

This was announced by Patil himself after a day-long meeting of Chief Ministers of all states, which was inaugurated by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh yesterday morning.

The Committee will have Chief Minister from Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Chattisgarh, Jharkhand, Uttaranchal, Orissa and Uttar Pradesh as its members, the Home Minister said.

Emphasising on the need to have such a committee, Patil said already two committees headed by the Special Secretary and Home Secretary were functioning in this regard.

"The idea of the Apex committee was mooted during the Conference and it will work on the recommendations of the Home Secretary Committee," Patil said.

He said that it was felt to have a multi-pronged strategy, which includes socio-economic development, employment and also the tough policing against the Naxal groups.

The Home Minister also said that some of the States demanded vigorous policing in mega cities while Rajasthan Government asked for a special "Desert Police Force".

He said that the Coastal States had demanded for special measures for tackling infiltration.