Centre calls meeting of CMs of seven Naxal-hit states on Nov 3

New Delhi: With Maoist violence continuing unabated, the Centre has called a meeting of chief ministers of seven Naxal-affected states on November 3 to chalk out a strategy to fight the menace.

The meeting, to be chaired by Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, will discuss overall Left-wing extremism (LWE) scenario in 35 worst-affected districts in the seven states -- Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Bihar, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha and Telangana -- besides issues like inter-state coordination.

"Action against mass front organisations of the CPI (Maoist), preparation of specific anti-LWE operations plans and checking of flow of funds to the LWE cadres are part of the agenda of the meeting," a senior Home Ministry official said.

The day-long meeting will formulate plans on how to maximise the use of around 1,10,000 paramilitary personnel currently deployed in Naxal-hit states, monitoring of pilferage of explosives and IEDs (improvised explosive device), rehabilitation of family members of persons killed in LWE violence and investigation of important cases against the naxalites with the NIA and state police forces.

Apart from the security issues, the Home Minister and the chief ministers will also take stock of the overall development initiatives taken in the LWE affected areas.

Installation of 2,199 mobile towers in Naxal-hit states, progress of construction of roads and bridges, review of high rejection rate and distribution of titles to tribals under Forest Right Act, financial inclusion through post offices, banks will be reviewed too.