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Naxal threat more dangerous than terrorism, CRPF chief

February 08, 2010 12:35 IST

Newly appointed Central Reserve Police Force Director General Vikram Srivastav described Naxal violence in some parts of the country as more challenging than dealing with terrorist groups.

Interacting with media in New Delhi on Monday, Srivastav said, "Naxalism, which challenged the development activities, is more challenging than terror groups."

"We are capable to win this challenge under the able leadership of Home Minister P Chidambaram," he added.

Srivastav also expressed confidence that things will improve very soon, but refused to share operational details.

The CRPF, country's largest counter insurgency force and involved actively in assisting the state police in all the Naxal affected areas.

The CRPF has deployed over 20,000 personnel for anti Maoist operations at different parts of the country.

On Sunday, Maoists blew away a portion of railway tracks causing derailment of a goods train and disruption of train services on the Howrah-Mumbai route in Jharkhand.

The 72-hour shutdown call given by Maoists has paralysed normal life in Jharkhand.

The shut down is observed ahead of Union Home Minister P Chidambaram's meeting to review the anti Maoists operation in Kolkata.

During the chief ministers' conference on internal security Chidambaram expressed displeasure over Maoists rejection of government's offer for talks.
Source: ANI