Government flayed for naxal attacks

BHUBANESWAR: The State Government has drawn flak from the Opposition and the allies for its failure to contain the rising Naxalite attacks in the State.There is a spurt in Naxalite activities in the southern districts during the last one week nailing the State Government’s claim that anti-Naxalite campaign has been intensified. The situation has deteriorated to such an extent that it forced Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik to condemn the brutal attack and killing of three persons in the last two days.Even the NCP, an ally of the ruling BJD, has criticised the State Government for the deteriorating situation. Leader of the NCP Legislature Party Amar Prasad Satpathy said the morale of the police has plumbed new depths.Such a situation has resulted because of the State Government’s mishandling of the abduction and release of the then Malkangiri collector R Vineel Krishna. By not taking police into confidence during negotiation for the release of the abducted Malkangiri collector, the State Government dealt a blow to the anti-Naxalite campaign in the State, he said.Satpathy said there is lack coordination between the police and the administration at the ground level following the incident. Senior BJP leader Bijay Mohapatra also held the State Government responsible for the demoralisation in the police ranks and files following the release of Krishna. He strongly criticised the State Government for its inaction for the release of the two tribals who were abducted by the Maoists in Malkangiri district. One them has already been killed, he said and added that the Secretariat did not function when Krishna was abducted.Alleging that the State Government is only boosting the morale of Maoists, Mohapatra said the Red rebels are on a killing spree. He demanded arrest of all the mediators.