The Hindu Business Line : AP seeks paramilitary forces to deal with Maoist issue

HARDENING its stand on the Maoist issue, the Andhra Pradesh Government has asked the Centre to allot at least three battalions of para military forces to deal with the issue and faction violence.

While stating that the Government was ready to continue the dialogue, Mr K. Jana Reddy, Minister for Home, has dropped enough hints at a press conference here on Saturday that the State would use force to "ensure law and order in the State."

Denying that there were combing operations in forests to nab naxalites, the Home Minister said the police were pursuing those who resorted to violence.

However, banning the naxalite party was an immediate option, he pointed out.

On continuation of talks, he said the Government was always ready to hold dialogue provided the Maoist party shun arms.

"We will go by public opinion on the issue," he said.

Briefing the newsmen about the outcome of a national meeting on internal security held in Delhi recently, he said the State asked the Centre to depute two CRPF (Central Reserve Police Force) battalions. It also wanted one from IR (Indian Reserve Police) battalion.

Mr Jana Reddy, however, clarified that these forces would help the police force in dealing with various issues related to law and order.

The Delhi meeting, chaired by the Prime Minister, was attended by the Chief Ministers of 12 States grappled with the naxalite issue.

"The meeting has taken no decision to ban the Maoist Party," he said.

It was decided that three committees would be set up to discuss and monitor the naxalite issue.

While the first committee consisted of the Union Home Minister and Chief Ministers, the second committee would be headed by Principal Secretary (Home) with his counterparts in States as members and the third one with DGPs.

Article E-Mail :: Comment :: Syndication :: Printer Friendly Page

Stories in this Section
TDP, Cong clash on Vamsadhara project bid

AP seeks paramilitary forces to deal with Maoist issue

Holiday for e-seva centres in AP