Naxal violence has come down in last decade, says Rajnath Singh

 Stating that there has been a 20-25% drop in Naxal violence in the rebel-affected areas in last 10 to 12 years, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday said though the government wants to resolve the vexed issue by giving a thrust to development, the ultras pose a hindrance in the process.

"There has been a steady drop in number of Naxal-related incidents over a period of time and the government is serious in tackling the issue," Singh told reporters here after reviewing anti-Naxal operations of eastern Vidarbha region in Maharashtra. The government is keen to resolve the issue by giving thrust to development of affected regions, but the Naxals are a big obstacle in the process, he said.

The government has accepted Naxalism as a challenge and will provide all assistance in dealing with the outlawed Maoists, he said. Refusing to reveal the details of the strategy to tackle the Naxal menace, he said the government was working on an integrated action plan.

Singh reviewed with senior police officials the anti-Naxal operations and preparedness of the security forces at the state guest house Ravi Bhawan. Maharashtra Director General of Police Sanjeev Dayal, former DG, CRPF, advisor to Home Ministry Vijay Kymar, a number of IGs, DIGs and SPs of Naxal-affected districts were present at the meeting.