Manmohan to meet CMs of Naxal-hit states

New Delhi: Naxalites have killed more than 125 paramilitary jawans in Chhattisgarh and West Bengal since April this year and derailed Gyaneshwari Express train in West Bengal that claimed the lives of nearly 150 people.

With Naxal attacks increasing and Central Reserve Police Force personnel looking more hapless everyday, the Prime Minister will address a specially convened meeting of chief ministers of Naxal-affected states in New Delhi on Wednesday to chalk out a fresh strategy to counter Left-wing extremism.

The day-long meeting will feature chief ministers of Orissa, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and Bihar.

The Prime Minister will not just review anti-Naxal strategy, but also delve into proposals for more funds, helicopters, police stations, and greater mobility of security forces He will also consider demands of Punjab, Nagaland and Assam for funds in anticipation of Naxals entering their states.

Sources say that there will be special emphasis on the plan to redeploy paramilitary forces engaged in anti-Naxal operations

Development schemes undertaken by the Planning Commission in Naxal-affected areas are expected to also dominate the agenda.

Union Home Minister P Chidambaram will also brief the chief ministers about New Delhi's strategy. There has been wide spread criticism of the Home Ministry's strategy so far to tack the Naxal problem and analysts believe that until each and every chief minister of Naxal-affected states is brought on the same page, New Delhi's strategy on the ground will never show results.

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