Wednesday, April 26 2006 16:48 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: A day after 52 villagers were abducted by naxals in Dantewada, the Chhattisgarh Government today (Apr 26, 2006) sought additional forces to tackle the menace in view of the increased incidents of left-extremism in the state.

Reviewing the security situation at a meeting, convened by Union Home Secretary V K Duggal, State Chief Secretary R P Bagai demanded additional security forces and helicopters which could be deployed at various naxal-sensitive places such as Dantewada.

Briefing the reporters after nearly a two-hour long meeting, Bagai said, "The Centre has assured to provide additional forces and air support to the state to tackle the problem."

Besides Bagai, the meeting was attended by Special Advisor to the state government K P S Gill, DGP O P Rathore and other senior Union Home Ministry officials.

"We demanded additional support and more helicopters for immediate deployment of forces in remote areas at the time of any naxal attack. The Centre assured to provide all types of assistance," Bagai said.

The meeting took stock of the situation in the state in view of increased naxal attacks occurring in the state. The naxals yesterday abducted 52 people from Manikonta village of Dantewada.

"Naxalism has become regular affair in the state," Bagai said.