Dantewada attack not to determine govt policy on Naxalism: Sources

The worst-ever Naxal attack in Chhattisgarh's Dantewada district will "not determine" the government's strategy of dealing with the "most serious threat" to internal security, Indian government sources have said.

To meet the challenge, the sources said, the Centre and and states would have to make coordinated and sustained efforts.

"The prime minister has said that naxalism is the most serious internal threat to the country," they said.

However, "one incident cannot determine our strategy," the sources said while referring to the Dantewada incident in which 75 CRPF personnel and one Chhattisgarh state policeman were killed a few days back.

They made it clear that use of air force to target Naxals was not an option although its support could be taken in respect of air surveillance and movement of personnel.

Government realises that administration and development would have to be improved in Naxal-infested areas. However, for this to happen, violence would have to end, the sources said.

The sources also denied that Maoists were getting external support, saying there was no proof in this regard.

However, they have been trying to tap international arms markets in South East Asia without much success.