Hyderabad, Oct 03: Voicing serious concern over growing Left-wing extremism, Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani today said a two-pronged strategy was needed to effectively deal with the menace. "On the one hand, rapid development of backward areas should be taken up and on the other, extremist activities should be firmly dealt with," Advani told reporters after meeting Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu who survived an assassination attempt by suspected PWG naxalites on October 1.
The DPM said he had "discussions with officials on security aspect". He said the naxal problem could be tackled first by ensuring rapid development of backward areas to better socio-economic conditions of the populace and then by taking stern action against those indulging in violence.
Stern measures coupled with developmental activities were being taken up in all naxal-infested states, Advani said at the Begumpet Airport before leaving for New Delhi.
A core committee, headed by the Union Home Secretary with Director Generals of Police of all Left-wing infested states as its members, had been working on anti-naxal operations, he said. Advani said the attack on Naidu was of serious concern to all people who have respect for democratic values, adding, "The Left wing violence has accumulated over a period of time and it should be firmly dealt with."
In a special mention to Putur MLA Rajshekhar Reddy, who had slipped into coma, the DPM said, "I hope he recovers soon along with the minister (Gopalkrishna Reddy) and the other MLA Krishna Murthy."
Advani, who arrived by a special flight, drove straight to the Jubilee Hills residence of Naidu and enquired about his health.
Advani was closeted with the Chief Minister for 15 minutes as mediapersons were kept at bay.
The DPM also held a meeting with top officials at the airport on security aspect. Bureau Report