Wednesday, March 8 2006 14:36 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: There are over 7000 armed naxalites present in the country while 76 districts were affected by naxalism, Rajya Sabha was told today (Mar 08 2006).

As per available information, the present strength of armed naxalites is around 7200, Minister of State for Home S P Jaiswal said in a written reply.

Parts of 76 districts in nine states, though in varying degrees, were badly affected by naxal violence, the minister said.

Jaiswal said reports suggested that the naxalite groups have been raising funds mainly through extortion and levy on sale or movement of forest produce and other commodities.

He said Centre has adopted a multi-pronged approach to address this menace simultaneously on political, security and development fronts in a holistic and coordinated manner.