Calling for a three pronged strategy of development, political dialogue and counter insurgency measures to tackle the Maoists, Union Minister for Urban Development Jairam Ramesh who visited Jangalmahal here on Saturday, said that Centre will have to play a much more active role in developing the districts affected by Left Wing Extremism.
“Centre will have to take up a much more active and direct role in the tri-junction areas. It cannot leave everything to the state government,” Mr. Ramesh told The Hindu over telephone from Paschim Medinipur.
Pointing out that some of the LWE districts (like Paschim Medinipur) are at the tri-junction (at the confluence of three States) Mr. Ramesh said that the government is fighting "a psychological battle on the hearts and minds of people."
ADVERTISEMENT
Reflecting on his three-pronged strategy he said that government should focus on rural development with particular focus on tribals along with political dialogue and the use of police and Para military forces.
The Union Minister, was however not in favour of "an open ended police action" but preferred intelligence-based action.
Stressing that there is necessity to improve the infrastructure, Mr. Ramesh said that while in the last ten years about 850 kilometres of roads were built in the district, in next two years 600 kilometres of roads will be laid there.
ADVERTISEMENT
However he raised concerns about the quality of the roads. “The quality of roads built in last 3-4 years is very poor and substantial improvement is needed ...particularly those which are built under MNERGA,” Mr. Ramesh said. He also pointed out that the Centre has sanctioned Rs 635 crores for expanding the State’s road network by another 1,200 kilometres.
The minister who held several meetings with district officials and spoke to various people during his visit on Saturday, raised concerns about "too much politicisation at the rural level and villages" which is depriving people of various benefits.
On the question about the prevailing situation in these areas Mr. Ramesh said, “The situation in Lalgarh is not as bad as areas in Southern Chattisgarh… At least we can go to Lalgarh,” the minister said.
Mr. Ramesh said “The Maoists have flourished here because these areas have remained undeveloped for long. There needs to be done a lot for the people to meet even their basic needs”.
The Union Minister has so far visited 14 of the 60 districts across six States affected by Left Wing Extremism in last three months.
Mr. Ramesh also pointed out that 18 more districts, including Bankura and Purulia, in the country that would be added to the districts affected by LWE.