Sunday, April 24 2005 19:50 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Tumkur (Karnataka): Asserting that naxal activity in Karnataka has not increased, as in neighbouring Andhra Pradesh, Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil today (Apr 24, 2005) said that efforts by the State in developing the economy of the affected region with good roads, schools and colleges and generating employment for the people will halt the spread of naxalism.

"The State Government has taken steps and some incidents have taken place. Now you can't say that for this reason, it (naxal attacks) has increased (in Karnataka), but you also cannot deny that naxal activity is not there," Patil told reporters in Tumkur on the sidelines of the 98th birthday of the Shivakumara Swami of the Siddaganga Mutt.

He said that there was more naxal activity in Andhra Pradesh; while in Karnataka there had been couple of incidents, which cannot be "termed as increasing".

Stating that the law and order was a State issue, Patil said, the Dharam Singh Government was taking steps to combat naxal activities and the Centre had assured all steps in this regard.

He said that the naxal activity has to be handled by developing the economy of the difficult areas and employment should be provided to the youth, besides developing good roads, schools and colleges in the region.

"I am sure that the State Government is making efforts in this issue. We will offer all help (to the State for improving the economy of the affected regions," Patil said.