Thiruvananthapuram: Defence Minister A K
Antony on Monday ruled out the use of Army against Maoists but
said violence perpetrated by them would be dealt with firmly.
"The Army is the last resort in internal security
measures and the government does not intend to use it against
Maoist activities," he told reporters here.
He said law and order was mainly a state subject, but
the Centre was prepared to extend any support, including
providing paramilitary forces to deal with any internal
security problem.
The role of defence forces was different and the Army
would be the last resort in settling problems in states, he
said.
Maoists have been operating in states like West
Bengal, Orissa, Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand and their ideology
of violence would be dealt with firmly, Antony said.
"No one including Maoists, will be allowed to take law
into their own hands," Antony said.
On China`s claims over Arunachal Pradesh, he said
India had repeatedly stated that the North Eastern state was
an integral part of the country. "Arunachal Pradesh is part of
India, just like Kerala," he said.
To a question on the threat to Tamil Nadu fishermen
along the Palk Straits, who often report attacks by Sri Lankan
Navy, he said the Navy, Coast Guard and Tamil Nadu police were
"alert on the issue."
Bureau Report
