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http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/...axals-Chhattisgarh-CM/articleshow/5950577.cms
No hard or soft line to tackling Naxals: Chhattisgarh CM
TNN, May 20, 2010, 02.59am IST
NEW DELHI: With the ruling Congress-led UPA debating on whether to opt for the hardline to deal with Maoists, Chhattisgarh chief minister Raman Singh said that, "there cannot be any hard or soft line to tackle naxalism. What has been achieved by adopting a soft line against them in the last 50 years," while replying to a question on the differences within the Centre on the approach on combating naxalism.
The chief minister said the strategy was to continue with the development process in Maoist-infested areas. "At the same time force should also be applied to deal with them," he said, adding, a joint strategy with the Centre is needed on a long term basis to fight naxals.
When asked about the support his state is getting from the Centre, Singh said it has been "adequate" and specifically mentioned the Prime Minister and the home minister as the ones who have always supported him.
"We have several central forces like ITBP, CRPF. But there are no differences (with Centre). Other states may have, I do not know," he said.
Labelling naxals as the "biggest terrorists," Singh said, Maoists were better trained now as was clear from the last incident in Dantewada where they blew up a bus. "Though I have no confirmation, some facts have come to light indicating that naxals may have some connection with Lashkar (LeT) militants... The manner in which they are using IEDs, explosives and weapons with 100 per cent technical surety shows there are experts behind this who are giving them training," Singh said.
He said, "the menace would have to be tackled through joint efforts between the Centre and the state without use of air strikes."
"Who else can be termed as terrorists? They are the biggest terrorists... Naxalism is the biggest challenge to the democracy. They want to capture power at gunpoint," Singh said, when asked whether Maoists are terrorists.
Giving details of Maoist activities in last 10 years in the state, he said they have killed more than 1000 civilians and over 650 policemen besides blowing up 132 electric towers, 106 school buildings and three hospitals in the state.
To a question, he said aerial support was welcome but air strikes could not be an option in the naxal-infested areas because it could have collateral damage. "There are landmines in upto 100 kms in an area. If there is a blast it will take hours to take the injured to hospital by road. Army helicopters can be used here. And also for supplying emergency rations," Singh said.
"But I don't recommend use of air power as Chhattisgarh has a huge dense forest cover inhabited by tribals and if any such attack is launched, then they will suffer greatly... Bombing is not possible in these areas. This is not a war," he added.
He, however, criticised senior Congress leader Digvijay Singh for commenting on naxal issues and said only the PM or home minister should speak on such matters. "Some people feel they are experts on the subject (of naxalism) and continuously issue statements after every naxal incident... The issue should be kept away from politics... It is not a political issue where statements need to be issued," Raman said, when asked about Digvijay's remarks criticising his government on handling of naxals.
Singh said, there was a need to change the strategy to fight naxals as they have also altered tactics from waging guerrilla warfare to mobile war. "There is no last word on the strategy to be adopted against Maoists. We also have to change our strategy," he said.
He rubbished allegations that area domination operations by security forces were aimed at giving a free run to multinational companies to mine in Bastar region. "Mining is done by (state-owned) MMTC and SAIL and no private company is involved in iron ore mining," he said, adding the "propaganda" is being spread by Maoists that Bastar is being vacated for a mining purposes "is wrong" and so are their claims on land reforms.
No hard or soft line to tackling Naxals: Chhattisgarh CM
TNN, May 20, 2010, 02.59am IST
NEW DELHI: With the ruling Congress-led UPA debating on whether to opt for the hardline to deal with Maoists, Chhattisgarh chief minister Raman Singh said that, "there cannot be any hard or soft line to tackle naxalism. What has been achieved by adopting a soft line against them in the last 50 years," while replying to a question on the differences within the Centre on the approach on combating naxalism.
The chief minister said the strategy was to continue with the development process in Maoist-infested areas. "At the same time force should also be applied to deal with them," he said, adding, a joint strategy with the Centre is needed on a long term basis to fight naxals.
When asked about the support his state is getting from the Centre, Singh said it has been "adequate" and specifically mentioned the Prime Minister and the home minister as the ones who have always supported him.
"We have several central forces like ITBP, CRPF. But there are no differences (with Centre). Other states may have, I do not know," he said.
Labelling naxals as the "biggest terrorists," Singh said, Maoists were better trained now as was clear from the last incident in Dantewada where they blew up a bus. "Though I have no confirmation, some facts have come to light indicating that naxals may have some connection with Lashkar (LeT) militants... The manner in which they are using IEDs, explosives and weapons with 100 per cent technical surety shows there are experts behind this who are giving them training," Singh said.
He said, "the menace would have to be tackled through joint efforts between the Centre and the state without use of air strikes."
"Who else can be termed as terrorists? They are the biggest terrorists... Naxalism is the biggest challenge to the democracy. They want to capture power at gunpoint," Singh said, when asked whether Maoists are terrorists.
Giving details of Maoist activities in last 10 years in the state, he said they have killed more than 1000 civilians and over 650 policemen besides blowing up 132 electric towers, 106 school buildings and three hospitals in the state.
To a question, he said aerial support was welcome but air strikes could not be an option in the naxal-infested areas because it could have collateral damage. "There are landmines in upto 100 kms in an area. If there is a blast it will take hours to take the injured to hospital by road. Army helicopters can be used here. And also for supplying emergency rations," Singh said.
"But I don't recommend use of air power as Chhattisgarh has a huge dense forest cover inhabited by tribals and if any such attack is launched, then they will suffer greatly... Bombing is not possible in these areas. This is not a war," he added.
He, however, criticised senior Congress leader Digvijay Singh for commenting on naxal issues and said only the PM or home minister should speak on such matters. "Some people feel they are experts on the subject (of naxalism) and continuously issue statements after every naxal incident... The issue should be kept away from politics... It is not a political issue where statements need to be issued," Raman said, when asked about Digvijay's remarks criticising his government on handling of naxals.
Singh said, there was a need to change the strategy to fight naxals as they have also altered tactics from waging guerrilla warfare to mobile war. "There is no last word on the strategy to be adopted against Maoists. We also have to change our strategy," he said.
He rubbished allegations that area domination operations by security forces were aimed at giving a free run to multinational companies to mine in Bastar region. "Mining is done by (state-owned) MMTC and SAIL and no private company is involved in iron ore mining," he said, adding the "propaganda" is being spread by Maoists that Bastar is being vacated for a mining purposes "is wrong" and so are their claims on land reforms.