PM says its time for setting up of a special force to tackle Naxals

Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh on Thursday said that to tackle threats from Naxals, a special force on the lines of Special Task Force of Andhra Pradesh, must be created by the States affected by this problem, and also suggested constitution of such a force at the national level.

New Delhi, Dec 20 : Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh on Thursday said that to tackle threats from Naxals, a special force on the lines of Special Task Force of Andhra Pradesh, must be created by the States affected by this problem, and also suggested constitution of such a force at the national level.

"I would also urge the (Union) Home Ministry to also consider establishing a dedicated trained force at the Centre, either as part of an existing force or as a separate one," he said during his concluding remarks at the Chief Ministers' Conference on Internal Security here.

He said that to tackle the menace, comprehensively, the Cabinet Secretary would chair a Task Force to promote coordination between different security agencies.

A central specialized training facility to train police trainers from across the country has also been considered by the Union Home Ministry, Dr. Singh said.

He also said that the State Governments should rise above 'political and party affiliations' on the challenges face by the nation, particularly on the issue of internal security.

"The purpose is to generate the necessary political consensus among the top leadership of the Centre and the States so that we stand united in our efforts to enforcing the rule of law, fighting terrorism and Naxalism and maintaining public order," he said.

ANI