Mumbai: Concerned over mounting civilian
casualties in the naxal-infested Gadchiroli district in
Maharashtra, the state government is considering revisiting
its strategy to tackle the naxal menace, sources said on Tuesday.
According to sources in Home Department, 34 civilians
were killed, besides 7 policemen and 2 special officers who
were martyred while fighting the Red Ultras in the district
over the last year.
"We have decided to revise our strategy of tackling
the naxalites. Extremely sensitive areas have been identified
and policemen working in those areas will be given incentives.
We are also studying the Andhra Pradesh model of how the
neighbouring state fought naxalism," they said.
Though Naxalism in the state is restricted to Gondia
and Gadchiroli districts. However, intensity of the naxal
activities is high even though the area is small, which needs
to be curbed. Hence, we are rethinking our strategy to fight
them," sources said, adding a meeting will be convened soon to
discuss the same.
Sources further said the strength of the naxalites in
North Gadchiroli has depleted due to sustained police action
against them.
"The killing of civilians is seen as a reaction to
it," they added.
PTI
First Published: Tuesday, October 04, 2011, 19:46