New Delhi/Raipur, Feb 8 (UNI) Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday chaired a high-level security review meeting on Left Wing Extremism (LWE) in Raipur, Chhattisgarh. He also reviewed the progress of development works in the state.
The meeting was attended by Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma, the union Home Secretary, Director of the Intelligence Bureau, Special Secretary (Internal Security) in the Ministry of Home Affairs, Chief Secretary of Chhattisgarh, and senior officials from central forces including CRPF, NIA, BSF and ITBP.
Home Secretaries and Directors General of Police from Chhattisgarh, Telangana, Jharkhand, Odisha and Maharashtra were also present.
Addressing the meeting, Amit Shah said the combined security-focused strategy of the Centre and the Chhattisgarh government has produced positive results.
He said action against Naxal finances, improved infrastructure and an effective surrender policy have significantly weakened Left Wing extremism.
He expressed confidence that Naxalism would be completely eliminated before March 31.
The Home Minister said Chhattisgarh, once considered a stronghold of Naxal violence, has now emerged as a symbol of development under the Centre-state coordination.
He noted that the youth of the state are making progress in areas such as sports, forensic science and technical education, while continuing to preserve their cultural traditions.
He said the government is making every effort to eradicate Naxalism from the country and that the problem has reached its final stage.
Emphasising the need for close coordination among states and central agencies, he said remaining Naxal elements must not be allowed to escape to neighbouring states.
Commending Chhattisgarh, the Home Minister said that the state has shown strong progress on both security and development fronts, and stressed that people living in Naxal-affected areas must receive equal opportunities for growth and welfare.
