PC backs strong anti-Naxal action

Home minister P Chidambaram on Monday asked the security forces to be more assertive in their campaign against Naxals, and put behind, what he described as ‘stalemate’ year of 2010.

Home minister P Chidambaram on Monday asked the security forces to be more assertive in their campaign against Naxals, and put behind, what he described as ‘stalemate’ year of 2010. The home minister was addressing a high-level meeting with director generals of police of nine Naxal-affected states and chiefs of para-military forces engaged in anti-Naxal operations.

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In the meeting, the Naxal-infested states demanded more air support with immediate effect. The state police chiefs were unanimous in their demand for enhanced air support saying the four choppers currently employed are lot less than required.

All states barring Chhattisgarh, presented report cards of their performance.

According to sources, the home minister hoped this

year would be much better for security forces noting the reverses suffered in Dantewada, Narayanpur and West Midnapore last year.

According to sources, Chidambaram cautioned the West Bengal police to keep sharp vigil in the run up to the state assembly elections.

The home minister also raised concerns about Bihar in the backdrop of intelligence reports that Naxals are spreading their tentacles in the state.