Cong advocates carrot and stick policy to tackle Naxalism

In the backdrop of a spurt in naxal violence, Congress on Friday advocated a carrot and stick policy to deal with the menace.

In the backdrop of a spurt in naxal violence, Congress on Friday advocated a carrot and stick policy to deal with the menace.

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"A process of dialogue should start with those who have left violence while at the same time, those who believe in violence and nothing else should also be dealt with firmly," party spokesman Shakeel Ahmed told reporters in New Delhi.

While listing measures taken by the central government like formation of specialised anti-naxal force COBRA and grant of Rs 500 crore for modernisation of the police force in naxal- affected states, Ahmed in the same breath added "this (naxalism) has, however another aspect as well."

"Reasons like poverty and discrimination due to which people join naxalism should also be tackled and removed. We agree with the Home Minister's view that we should talk to those who can leave the path of violence", he said.

Asked to comment on AICC general secretary Rahul Gandhi's statement that the "inability" of (non-Congress)state governments to reach out to people was one of the reasons for spread of naxalism there, Ahmad said "all this is included in what I said."