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PM tells Naxalites to give up arms |
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The Prime Minister has asked Naxalites and other extremist groups to give up violence and test their popularity in elections. Inaugurating a national seminar in Hyderabad on Sunday, August 21, Dr. Manmohan Singh said there is no grievance, howsoever extreme, which cannot be redressed through democratic means. “I have said this to the Hurriyat in Kashmir, the ULFA in Assam and to the Naxalite brethren in Andhra Pradesh.’
At the same time, Dr. Manmohan Singh warned the Maoists that their violence cannot be tolerated. “No society can pardon those who kill innocent people. Faced with terror tactics, the Government will have no other option than to fight such elements and their ideology of hatred.”
The Prime Minister’s stern message came four days after the State Government banned the Maoists.
Meanwhile, the Task Force which coordinates anti-Naxalite operations met in New Delhi on August 24. Based on feedback received, it is understood to have sent an advisory to all Naxalite affected states that there may be massive escalation in Naxal violence, especially in Andhra Pradesh, in the coming months.
The Home Ministry feels Congress leaders are likely to be the primary targets of Naxal violence and has told the states to tighten the security of important Congress leaders. The Ministry estimates the number of Naxalites to be around 9,000, of which, 6,300 are armed.
Officials said this time, anti-Naxalite operations would be intelligence-based and surgical in nature. The Ministry has reportedly asked the states to carry out operations against key leaders and cadres. State police organizations and the internal security agencies have been asked to strengthen intelligence gathering and sharing mechanism to carry out such operations.
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