MHA asks states to fill security vacuum in Maoist-hit areas

Union Home Secretary Rajiv Gauba on Tuesday directed security establishments in states and the Central armed forces to continue their operations in Maoist-affected areas and stressed filling up the security vacuum.

Convening a review meeting of Left Wing Extremist (LWE) scenario, Gauba said resources required in the endeavour would be provided to states and the paramilitary forces deployed in such areas, a Home Ministry statement said.

The meeting was attended by Chief Secretary, Directors General of Police of affected states, Director Intelligence Bureau Rajiv Jain and Directors General of all the paramilitary forces.

It was noted that there has been a consistent decline in violence and considerable shrinkage in geographical spread of LWE in the last five years, said the statement.

The review of LWE-affected districts in 2018, resulted in reduction of SRE districts from 126 districts to 82, it said.

However, the statement said eight new districts have been added to the list as a pre-emptive measure.

"A detailed exchange of views took place. Useful suggestions and security concerns by the states were taken note of."

It was decided to carry forward the resolute implementation of National Policy and Action Plan to address Left Wing Extremism-2015. IANS