Union home secretary Mr G.K. Pillai, on Tue-sday said the steps taken so far to combat Naxalites have begun yielding results, even though shortage of security personnel remains a problem.
The ongoing anti-Maoist operations have helped improve security situation considerably in many Naxal-infested areas in Bastar region of Chhattisgarh, instilling confidence among the local people to rejoin the democratic process after a gap of five to six years, Mr Pillai told reporters here before winding up his three-day visit to the state.
“Many activities which were not taking place for the last many years, have started again in many areas in remote locations of tribal Kanker district because of the presence of security forces. Now ration shops are opened, regular weekly markets being held, school buildings are being constructed and, more importantly, contractors are coming forward for bidding for tenders being floated for development activities in the areas,” he said. Mr Pillai said the Naxal menace in the country could be brought under control fully only after filling large scale vacancies in security forces. It could take some time to recruit security personnel and provide them with training before being deployed in Naxalite areas.
According to him, there was a shortage of about 3.5 lakh personnel in police forces in the states.
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Pillai praises Andhra intel
Age Correspondent
Raipur
July 6: Union home secretary Mr G.K.Pillai, on Tuesday commended Andhra Pradesh for developing a “sophisticated” intelligence set up, which helped the state win the battle against the Maoists.
“Andhra Pradesh intelligence is very good. They have developed a very very sophisticated intelligence set up, leading the state to gain success in the fight against the Left-wing extremism.