Wednesday, October 5 2005 14:32 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Describing Naxalism as a 'serious threat' to internal security, Government today (Oct 5, 2005) said that it has decided to adopt a two-pronged strategy of economic development and 'firm' police action to wipe out the menace.

"Naxalism remains a serious threat to internal security of the country with violent activities of Communist Party of India (CPI) (Maoists) and other Naxal groups in Chattisgarh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Maharashtra and elsewhere continuing unabated," Home Minister Shivraj Patil told a conference of Directors and Inspectors General of Police in New Delhi.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will tomorrow address the conference of the top brass of country's police and para-military forces, organised by Intelligence Bureau.

Observing that Naxalism fed on widespread socio-economic, political and region inequities, coupled with poverty, unemployment and a lack of proper infrastructure, Patil said "High priority has to be accorded to ensure faster integrated development in Naxalites-affected areas in 13 states."

"Urgent economic development of the affected areas to create more employment avenues, land reforms, redistribution of land, assurance of Tribal rights to forest produce and spread of education and health facilities, together with firm police action was the prescription to wipe off this menace. We plan to work in this direction in right earnest," he said.

Patil presented Police Medals, announced on the Republic Day this year, to 41 officers of IB for their distinguished and meritorious services.

Patil referred to the peace talks between Naxal and Andhra Pradesh Government last year and said it was hoped that following the foot steps of the Naxal group, others would also follow their example and come forward for talks.

"But these hopes were believed. CPI (Maoists) withdrew from the process and resumed their violent activities," he said.

Patil referred to the recent meeting of Chief Ministers of the Naxal-affected state and said, "It was underscored that we have to counter the naxal menace in a determined but compassionate manner."

Terrorism is one of the more daunting challenges before the police

Touching other topics during his long speech, Patil said there was no doubt that the scourge of 'terrorism is one of the more daunting challenges before the police and para-military forces.'

"The challenge of terrorism must be faced imaginatively, squarely and resolutely. There is no cause that can ever justify the killing of innocent people and no democratic Government could tolerate the use of violence against innocent people," he said.

Patil expressed happiness over the decrease of violence consistently in Jammu and Kashmir and exuded confidence that 'state police, in tandem with other security forces, will be able to sustain the momentum of improvement in the overall scenario and foil any attempt of the militants to queer the pitch.'

The Home Minister said the overall situation in the North East had also shown signs of improvement not only in terms of declining levels of violence but also through growing public revulsion to mindless acts of terrorism.

"There have been increasing instances of public protests against high-handedness by militant cadres and the people are now becoming more forthcoming and speaking against the militants," he said and added that there had been a 'welcome increase' in the number of militant groups coming up for peace talks with the Government.

About improving the condition of police force, Patil said the Home Ministry had set up a committee to examine the recommendations of previous commissions set up on police reforms.

"We have taken the important decision to set up a committee to draft a bill for a new police act which will submit its report within six months. It would be ensured that a Central Police Act legislation is enacted to replace the ancient Act of 1861," he added.