NEW DELHI: Describing naxalism, which has spread across 13 States, as a "serious threat" to internal security, Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil favours a two-pronged approach of faster integrated development of the affected areas, firm police action and a responsive administrative machinery to root out the menace.

"The violent activities of CPI (Maoists) and other naxal groups in Chhattisgarh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Maharashtra and elsewhere have continued unabated. It is recognised that naxalism feeds on the widespread socio-economic, political and regional inequities, coupled with poverty, unemployment and a lack of proper infrastructure. We have to accord high priority to ensuring faster integrated development of naxal-affected areas." Mr. Patil was inaugurating a three-day annual conference of Directors-General and Inspectors-General of Police, organised by the Intelligence Bureau here on Wednesday.

The Minister stressed the need to strengthen the administrative machinery to make it more responsive, transparent and sensitive to public grievances.

"Only a well-trained and well-equipped police force armed with good intelligence inputs can maintain the peace in rural areas."

Recalling the recent agreement with the States to set up inter-State task forces to facilitate coordinated and synergised operations across boundaries, Mr. Patil said the naxal menace had to be countered in a determined and compassionate manner.

"Urgent economic development of the affected areas to create more employment avenues, land reforms, redistribution of land, assurance of tribal rights to forest produce and spread of education and health facilities, together with firm police action was the prescription to wipe off this menace. We plan to work in this direction in right earnest."

Central police law

Mr. Patil said the Government set up a committee to draft a Bill for a new Police Act. "The committee, consisting of eminent persons, will submit its report within six months. It will be ensured that a Central Police Act replaces the ancient Act of 1861."

The Minister expressed satisfaction over the decrease of violence in Jammu and Kashmir. He said the overall situation in the northeast also showed signs of improvement not only in declining violence but also in growing public revulsion against mindless acts of terrorism.

"There have been increasing instances of public protests against high-handedness by militant cadres and the people are now becoming more forthcoming and speaking against the militants."

Mr. Patil suggested the setting up of five regional bodies for the north, south, east, west and the northeast, where the State police chiefs could meet regularly, maybe every quarter, to discuss trends and fine-tune their strategies. The Minister presented police medals, announced on the Republic Day this year, to 41 officers of the IB for distinguished and meritorious service.

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