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Advani calls CMs' meet to discuss Naxalism

Home Minister L K Advani on Tuesday said a conference of chief ministers of the states affected by Naxalism will be held in April.

During question hour in the Lok Sabha, Advani said efforts will also be made to restructure state police forces.

He said five states - Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Orissa, Maharashtra and Bihar - have been affected by the Naxalite problem.

Assuring all assistance to the states affected by militancy, Advani said that the Naxalite problem is linked to economic development and therefore the planning for security and development must go together.

As far as funds are concerned, he said some states have been asked to give perspective plans for the next five years on their need for modernisation and upgradation of the police forces.

The demands for funds will be placed before the Planning Commission and the Finance Commission.

Stating that insurgency to an extent has been controlled in the north-eastern states, he said Tripura, Manipur, Assam and Nagaland are still seriously affected, whereas Meghalaya and Mizoram are peaceful.

The home minister said as police is a state subject, it is primarily the responsibility of the state governments to train, equip and modernise their forces to keep pace with the changing security and law and order scenario.

Advani said a coordination committee has been set up to tackle the Naxalite problem and the Centre will provide all assistance to the affected states.

UNI

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