Chhattisgarh will become Naxal-free soon: Raman Singh

The day is not far when Chhattisgarh will become "Naxal-free", thanks to the joint efforts of state government and Centre in wiping out the Maoist menace, Chief Minister Raman Singh said today.

He conveyed this to a delegation of National Security Advisory Board (NSAB) which called on him here.

The delegation headed by NSAB chairman and ex-Foreign Secretary Shyam Saran met Singh at his official residence and discussed different aspects of Naxalism.

They also discussed the security arrangements and measures being taken for the socio-economic betterment of people in the insurgency-hit region, at the meeting.

"The chief minister informed the board about various welfare schemes of the state government in LWE (Left Wing Extremism) areas, besides the joint efforts of Central armed forces and state police in counter-insurgency operation," an official statement said.

The board advises Centre on national security after analysing various issues and visits various states in this regard.

Singh told the delegation the Naxal problem has been eradicated from Surguja region (north Chhattisgarh) and remains confined only to certain areas of Bastar and Rajnandgaon.

"The day is not far when the state and Centre will together wipe out the Maoist menace and succeed in making a Naxal-free Chhattisgarh," the statement quoted Singh as saying.

"Central security forces, state police jawans and officers are fighting the menace of Naxalism with better coordination at every front. During past few months we have achieved some major success in this direction," the chief minister said referring to a significant number of Naxals laying down their arms and arrest of many cadres.

Singh also said thrust should be given to execution of effective strategies to ensure security for people along with efforts to bring a positive change in their life style.

Emphasising the need to make surrender and rehabilitation policies meant for ultras more lucrative so as to attract them towards mainstream, Singh said the road and air connectivity should be strengthened and telecommunication facility be extended in Bastar region.

He also briefed the board about various facilities for the education of children and skill development programmes for the youths in Maoist-affected areas, the statement said.

The board conducts discussion with experts, senior leaders, state government, social service organisations, civil society groups, on various issues of national importance in its capacity as the security advisor to Centre.

Additional Chief Secretary, Home, NK Aswal, and other senior officials from the state were present in the meeting.