Naxalite violence has come down in last decade: Rajnath

NAGPUR: Stating that there has been a 20-25 per cent drop in Naxalite violence in the rebel-affected areas in last 10 to 12 years, Union home minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday said though the government wants to resolve the vexed issue by giving a thrust to development, the ultras pose a hindrance in the process.
"There has been a steady drop in number of Naxalite-related incidents over a period of time and the government is serious in tackling the issue," Singh told reporters here after reviewing anti-Naxalite operations of eastern Vidarbha region in Maharashtra.
The government is keen to resolve the issue by giving thrust to development of affected regions, but the Naxalites are a big obstacle in the process, he said.
The government has accepted Naxaliteism as a challenge and will provide all assistance in dealing with the outlawed Maoists, he said.
Refusing to reveal the details of the strategy to tackle the Naxalite menace, he said the government was working on an integrated action plan.
Singh reviewed with senior police officials the anti-Naxalite operations and preparedness of the security forces at the state guest house Ravi Bhawan.
Maharashtra director general of police Sanjeev Dayal, former DG, CRPF, advisor to Home Ministry Vijay Kymar, a number of IGs, DIGs and SPs of Naxalite-affected districts were present at the meeting.