Naxalism
is presenting new challenges to the keepers of law and the
people. In the latest incident in Malkangiri in Orissa, the
anti-naxal force of Andhra Pradesh and Orissa police were
feared drowned in Balimela reservoir as the boat ferrying
them came under gunfire by Naxalites from atop a nearby hill.
The new incident takes place despite the fact that the Naxalites
have struck in a big way in Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh,
Maharashtra, Bihar, Jharkhand and Madhya Pradesh in the past.
The Home Ministry is concerned over the delay in formation
of a 10,000 strong force well versed in guerilla warfare.
Now, efforts are underway to expedite its formation. It may
be recalled that the Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh, addressing
the conference of Chief Ministers of States in December 2007,
stressed upon the need for preparation of a trained force
to tackle the naxalites. Naxalism, according to the PM, posed
the biggest threat to the nation. Thereafter the Home Ministry
had proposed for preparing a special force comprising of 10,000
men. The home ministry hopes for early clearance of the same
by the Union Cabinet. The Naxals who are used to living in
deep jungles, attack the police force from nowhere, leaving
them stunned. To deal with them the Prime Minister had called
for setting up of a special force. The formation of the force
is likely. However, the implementation of the Cabinet decision
for special force formation may take at least two years. There
should not be any further delay by the government. At the
same time the information machinery needs to be strengthened
in Naxal affected areas. There is also need to deliberate
upon the formation of a joint command in the Naxal-affected
states. This would facilitate in exchange of information on
Naxal movements and their activties.
|
Print This Page
Terms
and Conditions