For the first time in the history of Chhattisgarh, a secret sitting of the Assembly was held on Thursday to discuss freely the increased Naxal violence in the state.

As per House Rule 163-A, Assembly is discussing the Naxal issue of the state in its secret sitting from 11 am to 3 pm in which media, public and other officials are not allowed in the chamber, lobby or the galleries of the House to witness or hear the proceedings, Assembly sources told PTI in Raipur.

Since Maoists target those members, who speak against them, it was decided to have a secret sitting so that the entire issue and the strategy against the Naxalites is discussed openly and freely by the members, Chief Minister Raman Singh told reporters in Raipur.

He hoped that all aspects of the protracted problem of the state would be discussed among the members so that the government is able to fight the menace in a better way.

Among officials only Chief Secretary Shiv Raj Singh, Principal Secretary S V Prabhat and Director General of Police Vishwaranjan were allowed in the official gallery, whereas rest all, other than legislators, have been barred from entering the premises till 3 pm, they said.

To a question they also clarified that under rule 163-D, without permission of the Sseaker if any one discloses any of the proceedings it would invite breach of privilege of the House.

The Naxal menace has claimed hundreds of lives in last two decade in this region.

In last couple of years, Maoists have become more organised and are equipped with modern weapons and landmines.