Thursday, December 22 2005 15:19 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Patna: The Bihar Government has prepared an 'approach paper' outlining its two-pronged strategy which lays emphasis on giving a fresh impetus to development while continuing with the armed offensive to combat growing naxalite problem in the state.

The paper, prepared by the state's Home Department which will form the basis of a comprehensive action plan, envisages launching of 'social justice-oriented' development schemes to 'saturate' naxalite-hit areas with development.

To start with, extensive development programmes will be undertaken in Patna, Jehanabad and Arwal districts, Home Secretary H C Sirohi, the man behind the approach paper, told sources today.

"The aim of these programmes will be to bring justice to the deprived sections whose feeling of hurt and that of being discriminated against make them vulnerable to the allure of naxalite organisations. Our priority also includes creating an atmosphere of security with the help of central para-military forces and the state police," Sirohi said.

An important component of the approach paper is to free the common property assets like government land, public ponds etc. from the occupation of the influential people so that the poor and the underprivileged could also enjoy the benefits.

The paper lays stress on rebuilding and repair of roads, bridges and culverts in these areas and expeditious and effective settlement of land disputes to prevent violent clashes as naxalites tend to exploit such situations, he said.