RR Patil asks Centre for separate law to tackle naxals

Home minister RR Patil, on Monday, made an appeal to the central government for a separate legislation to tackle naxal terror. This demand comes two days after a group of heavily-armed naxals made a deadly attack in Chattisgarh, killing 27 people and injuring 37 others.

Home minister RR Patil, on Monday, made an appeal to the central government for a separate legislation to tackle naxal terror. This demand comes two days after a group of heavily-armed naxals made a deadly attack in Chattisgarh, killing 27 people and injuring 37 others.

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In Maharashtra, in 2013 alone, one policeman was martyred and 15 officials injured in naxal attacks. “Nine naxals have been arrested, 18 have surrendered and 17 have been killed this year, Patil said.

“The existing laws on tackling naxal terror are very weak and ordinary laws are of no help. The legislation could be on the lines of the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act and Terrorist And Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act. There should also be a separate authority to expedite development and security related issues in naxal areas,” he said.

“Naxalites have many sympathisers and front organisations in cities. Also, there are local tribals who support them out of fear and act as shields,” he said.