Asian rights body says Naxal killings have decreased by 45 percent

There has been an over 45 per cent decrease in the number of killings by Naxalites during first half of 2007, as compared to figures released last year, claims the Asian Centre for Human Rights (ACHR) in its latest issue of Naxal Conflict Monitor released to the media today.

New Delhi, July 4 : There has been an over 45 per cent decrease in the number of killings by Naxalites during first half of 2007, as compared to figures released last year, claims the Asian Centre for Human Rights (ACHR) in its latest issue of "Naxal Conflict Monitor" released to the media today.

The highest number of killings were reported from Chhattisgarh (141), followed by Andhra Pradesh (39) and Jharkhand (29).

"There has been over 45 per cent decrease in the number of killings in comparison to the same period in 2006, which saw the killing of at least 460 persons," ACHR Director Suhas Chakma said.

Chakma further said there has been no dearth of development schemes for the tribals, but its implementation perennially remained problematic.

"Implementation of the schemes in the Naxalite affected areas have almost come to virtual halt because of the increased conflict," he added.

An estimated amount Rs 6,500 crores meant for implementation of the National Rural Employment Guarantee Programme was not spent during 2005-2006 and Rs 1,522.90 crores for development of the tribals could not be released by the Tribal Affairs Ministry to various State Governments by the end of December 2006 because of the failure of the States to submit utilisation certificates under the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Act of 2004, the report said.

The report further blames the failure of the State Governments to deliver basic services for the strengthening of the Naxal support base.

ANI