Increase in Naxal attacks in last 6 months, says Congress MP

A Congress member on Thursday said there was an increase in Naxal attacks during the last six months due to "weak" policies of the government.

New Delhi: A Congress member on Thursday said there was an increase in Naxal attacks during the last six months due to "weak" policies of the government.

Pramod Tiwari also accused the Centre of not giving due respect and honour to martyrs killed while fighting Naxals, a charge rejected by the government.

Telecom Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said government is sensitive to the issue of fighting terror and Naxals and has accorded due respect to soldiers killed in such attacks.

Raising the issue during Zero Hour, Tiwari demanded that those killed while fighting Naxals be cremated with full honours and their kin be given at least Rs one crore as compensation along with a job.

"The last six months have witnessed an increase in terror attacks across the country. The way 14 soldiers have died in a Naxal attack in Chhattisgarh, it is due to the weak policies of the government. It seems this government has given in to them," Tiwari said.

He alleged that mortal remains of those killed have been sent through parcel vehicles and Sarnath Express and their uniform thrown in dustbins.

"It is a matter of concern that martyrs who have died fighting terror and Naxal attacks are being treated like this," he said, demanding that at least Rs one crore be given to their kin and a job for their family member.

Rejecting the allegations, Prasad said the Home Minister has already ordered an inquiry into the Chhattisgarh incident and asked for fixing of responsibility.

"This allegation is wrong. Our government treats martyrs with respect," he said.

Raising another demand, Khekiho Zhimomi (NPF) called for inclusion of Nagaland in the list of 15 greenfield airports, after it was dropped from the list announced by the government.

"Surprisingly, we have been waiting and waiting for the airport. I regret that the minister has dropped the name of Nagaland from the list and I urge him to include it. There is uncertainty in Nagaland over the airport as there is poor connectivity," he said.

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