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Political will vital to tackle Maoists: Ex-IB chief
A joint political offensive by all parties having faith in democracy is essential to effectively tackle the Maoists, according to a former senior intelligence officer.
A joint political offensive by all parties having faith in democracy is essential to effectively tackle the Maoists, according to a former senior intelligence officer.
"Maoists can not be tackled with a soft approach. Firm political will, clear-cut plans, meticulously worked out strategies and stern decisions are vital for that," former Director General of Intelligence Bureau Ajith Kumar Doval said at a lecture organised by pro-RSS Vichara Vedi in Thiruvananthapuram on Sunday.
The strength of Naxalite groups had doubled in the country in the last six years. Once confined to isolated pockets, they had expanded their presence to 203 districts in 14 districts and the number of armed cadre gone up to at least 15,000 from 7000, he said.
More importantly, the Maoists had succeeded in acquiring sophisticated weapons and training cadres in using them in their war against the state, Doval said.
"At the same time the Centre and state governments have not been able to effectively counter the threat posed by Leftist ultras, who have been receiving support from all sorts of anti-national elements in their subversive activities," he said.
The prevailing situation required a joint political offensive against the Maoists by impressing upon the masses, the need to defend democracy, which was the best political system available to them, he added.
