Geneva: The Indian government is working out a
calibrated approach to deal with the Maoist problem as it does
not want to use disproportionate force against the Naxals who
enjoy "sizeable" support in the civil society.
Even as Maoists carry out strike after strike, the
government is undecided on launching any operation against
them and is weighing pros and cons.
"We are debating sensitivity and sensibilities while
considering the options. We are trying to review how best to
go about it," said a government source here.
While some operations have been launched, further actions
are not being undertaken as the government "recognises that
they (Naxals) have sizeable amount of support in civil
society", the source said.
"The problem is not violence by Maoists, but the support
from civil society who argue that they are a neglected lot. We
are trying to deal with the problem with a calibrated
approach," the source added.
Significantly, the source underlined that Maoists are a
problem but they are not to be treated as "terrorists".
PTI
First Published: Sunday, November 22, 2009, 13:07