New Delhi: Left-wing extremists are spreading their presence to as many as 22 states with the maoists even approaching banned groups like LTTE and ULFA for arms procurement, an intelligence report has claimed.

The report, submitted to the Union Home Ministry, said maoists were aiming at "liberating" 35 per cent of country s territory by the end of next year, according to official sources.

Thirty-nine Left-wing extremists groups are operating in the country with underground sympathisers and armed cadre active in 15 states while overground supporters exist in seven states, it said.

Throwing light on the funding and arms procurement policy of naxals, the report said the underground groups are in touch with certain militant groups like ULFA in Assam and LTTE in Sri Lanka for procurement of arms and explosives.

The maoists have no presence only in six states -- Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Mizoram, Sikkim, Goa and Himachal Pradesh, the report said.

"Having links with militant groups does not mean that they are colluding with them to carry out attacks. They are having links with the militant groups for procurement of arms," an official said.

Outlining the naxal strategy and goals, the report said the groups plan to possess 35 per cent of country's land as "liberated area" by the end of next year.

It also said while there are over 20,000 underground maoist activists in the country and nearly 50,000 overground members, more than a lakh naxal sympathisers and supporters are working in various frontal organisations.
Source : PTI