Tuesday, August 16 2005 16:45 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: The Center today (Aug 16, 2005) strongly condemned in the Rajya Sabha the dastardly killing of a Congress MLA, his son and some officials in Andhra Pradesh by Naxalites and promised all possible help to the State to effectively deal with such violence.

Responding to concerns expressed by members during Zero Hour, Home Minister Shivraj Patil said, "No cause can justify violence and killing of innocent people" and assured the State Government of all possible help in effectively dealing with 'such violent depredations'.

Condemning the ghastly incident, he said the State Government has geared up its security apparatus to firmly meet the challenge after Naxalites stepped up their offensive following their unilateral withdrawal from peace talks in January this year.

Till July 31, the State Government has arrested 464 Naxalites and neutralized 98 including some of their leaders, he said, adding additional force has been rushed to the area.

"Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhar Reddy and senior officers have visited the site of yesterday's (Aug 15, 2005) incident and special police parties had been deployed and combing operations were on to apprehend the culprits," he said.

Giving details of the incident, the Home Minister said the Naxalites had escaped from the scene and carried away weapons of the deceased gunmen of MLA C Narsi Reddy.

S S Ahluwalia Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) who demanded raised the matter that the House discuss the Naxalites violence in Andhra Pradesh.