Nitish Kumar asks Centre to help Naxal-hit states

Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar today appealed to the Centre that it should help states "open-heartedly" to tackle the Maoist problem.

"Centre should help states open-heartedly for ensuring integrated development and modernisation of security forces for tackling the problems relating to Maoists," Kumar told reporters on his return from Delhi after attending a meeting called by prime minister Manmohan Singh on the issue.

"It would be difficult to contain the menace of Maoists by use of forces alone," he said.

Kumar said his government has made integrated development the core basis for tackling the problem and has started the 'Sarkar Apke-Dwar' programme in 67 panchayats  in Naxal-hit districts.

Under the programme, several development works and welfare schemes were underway in these areas, he said.

Kumar suggested that the Centre should launch Special District Development Programme for the Naxal-affected districts in the country to speed up the pace of development.