Wednesday, March 1 2006 14:15 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: The naxalite attack in Chhattisgarh generated heat in the Rajya Sabha today (Mar 1 2006) with Congress members accusing the BJP-ruled state of "criminal negligence" in dealing with the problem, triggering noisy protests from saffron party members.

Raising the issue during Zero Hour, Mohsina Kidwai (Cong) alleged that no police protection was given to adivasis who were returning yesterday from a meeting held as part of local resistance front to combat naxal violence.

She was supported by her party colleagues, including Moolchand Meena and Motilal Vora, who said the matter was very serious and demanded adequate compensation for victims.

As BJP members strongly objected to remarks that the state government was not paying attention to the naxal problem, the House witnessed noisy scenes.

CPI(M) member Nilotpal Basu suggested that instead of playing politics over dead bodies, a structured debate should be held.

Countering the Congress attack, S S Ahluwalia (BJP) sought to pass on the buck to the Centre saying Central Government should have the will to tackle the problem which was prevalent in 149 districts across the country.

Digvijay Singh (JD-U) said the problem did not pertain to Chhattisgarh alone and could not be dismissed as a law and order issue.