Chidambaram confident left-wing extremism would be overcome in three years

File photo of Home Minister P. Chidambaram.

Union Home Minister P Chidambaram today said the Government was confident that the problem of left-wing extremism would be met with determination and overcome in the next three years.

Addressing a meeting of the Parliamentary Consultative Committee for the Ministry of Home Affairs here, he said the challenge would be met jointly by the Central and State Governments.

This was the third meeting of the Parliamentary Committee on the subject of left-wing extremism, and members broadly agreed with the suggestions given in the agenda note, which included steps on both security and development fronts.

Mr Chidambaram said that, after consultations with the Naxalite-affected States, it was agreed to have a two-pronged strategy, namely, development and police action.

While the Central Government acknowledged that the primary role and responsibility was that of the State Governments in enforcing law and order in confronting the challenge of left-wing extremists, it also recognised the responsibility of the Centre in assisting the States in every way – including deploying Central Para-Military Forces (CPMFs), sharing intelligence and funding for both development schemes and security needs, he said.

The Home Minister told the meeting that, at a meeting of Chief Ministers of seven Naxalite-affected States, chaired by Prime Minister Manmohan Sngh, held here on July 14, the Centre had agreed to provide the States additional helicopters for logistical support and provide funds for establishment/strengthening of 400 police stations on 80:20 basis.

That meeting had also agreed that the Centre would provide support recruiting additional Special Police Officers, setting up of Unified Command for anti-naxal operations in four States, setting up of an Empowered Group chaired by Member Secretary, Planning Commission to review existing norms/guidelines in implementation of various development schemes having regard to local needs and conditions, and provide funds for a Special Development Plan for the affected districts with emphasis on road connectivity, primary education, primary health care and drinking water.

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