Naxalism biggest internal security problem: PM

Noting that Naxalism has emerged as the "biggest internal security problem", prime minister Manmohan Singh today said the Centre and state government will have to take "all types of steps" to control the menace.

"Look, I have repeatedly said that Naxal problem has emerged as the biggest internal security issue before us. We will have to take all types of steps to control it," Singh told a press conference here.

"Law and order machinery will have to strengthened and along with that we will have to take steps to do away with the economic and social causes, which increase alienation," the prime minister said.

He was responding to a query on increased naxal activities in states like Jharkhand and West Bengal.

"I would not like to disclose what I discuss in confidence with chief ministers of our states but I have stated publicly that both Central and State governments have obligations to take effective steps to control Naxalite problem," he said when asked about his meeting with West Bengal chief minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee last week.

Bhattacharjee had met Singh on October 12 to discuss the Naxal issue in his state and the operations launched by the security forces there against naxalites.