Government depts need to work together to tackle Naxalism: RR

Home minister RR Patil has substantiated his claim that since Naxalism was a socio-economic problem and all government departments needed to work together to tackle it.

Home minister RR Patil has substantiated his claim that since Naxalism was a socio-economic problem and all government departments needed to work together to tackle it.

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Patil’s team of senior police and district officials from Naxal-infested Gadchiroli, on Wednesday, gave a presentation at the state cabinet’s weekly meeting. They documented how government’s apathy on various fronts denied tribal district a better living, which subsequently prompted agitated people to encourage Naxal activities by either direct or indirect participation.

A Congress minister, who attended the meeting said, “We understood that the police are working against all odds. I think other departments also need to chip in equally.”

The change of opinion is seen as a moral victory for Patil, who, in last week’s meeting, was accused of inept handling of the Naxal-affected areas.

The Home department also discussed a wide presence of Naxalite sympathisers in urban areas. “There are several evidences of well-educated and influential people working from behind the curtain,” said the minister. “The Cabinet will discuss the matter again,” he added.