PM to meet CMs of Naxal-hit states today

Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh has called a meeting of the chief ministers of seven states affected by Naxal violence on Wednesday, where he is likely highlight the importance of approaching the naxal issue as a national problem. He will also dispel the impression about various voices being heard on Naxal issue.

The meeting will be attended by chief ministers of Chhattisgarh, Orissa, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Bihar. Jharkhand, which is under President's Rule, will be  represented by its governor. Officials of the home ministry and senior officials of the security services will also attend the meeting, which will be held at the PM's residence.

In his speech, The PM will ask the political parties to support to the covernment on tackling the Left Wing Extremism.  The PM is likely to offer central help in bolstering security and accelerating development schemes in the affected areas.

"The centre will elaborate on its carrot and stick policy. The prime minister will offer central help in tightening security and restoring administrative control in the Maoist-hit areas. Deployment of paramilitary forces, assistance for acquisition of weapons and training of the state security personnel are some of the proposals. The prime minister will offer special developmental incentives for these states to wean away the people in the affected areas from the influence of Leftwing extremists," the official said.

Besides Manmohan Singh, Home Minister P Chidambaram will be addressing  the meeting. The prime minister will hear detailed reports from the chief ministers on the prevailing situation in the Maoist-hit areas, the official said.

Home minister Chidambaram is expected to report on the recent trends in Maoist violence and the measures initiated by the Centre, the official said.