Centre gets tough on naxal menace

New Delhi: Centre is all set to adopt tough measures to combat the naxal menace through a "concrete and stern" action plan that envisages modernisation of security forces to tackle what they describe is a "key internal security concern".

The Central government has prepared an action-plan which is a consolidation of various measures including fortifying the states against the naxalites by providing the forces with modern weaponry, dedicated intelligence network and special training in anti-Naxal operations, official sources said.

The sources said the action plan is expected to be outlined by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh during a day-long conference of Chief Ministers of naxal-affected states on April 13 in New Delhi.

Besides reviewing the security situation in these states, Centre would also seek a status report on various steps taken so far by the affected states government to tackle the menace.

The conference, which will be attended by Chief Ministers of Andhra Pradesh, Orissa, Bihar, Chhatisgarh, Maharashtra and Jharkhand, will discuss future course of action to combat naxalism.

Observing that Centre was ready to assist the states in every possible manner to overcome naxalism, which was not merely a law and order problem, sources said there were many plans afoot to counter naxal activities including air-dropping of police personnel in forest areas and usage of landmine clearing equipments.

The expenditure involved in the various plans would be borne by the Central government under the Security Related Expenditure under the Police Modernisation funds, sources said.

As part of its multi-pronged strategy to tackle the menace, the Government is emphasising on social development to discourage youths from picking up guns and also advocating a stern action plan to fortify the state against the ultras.

The state-by-state review will also include examination of the progress on various fronts such as infrastructure, land reforms, implementation of welfare schemes and utilisation of funds given under these schemes, they said.