Naxals may have links with LeT: Chattisgarh CM

New Delhi, May 19 (PTI) Labelling naxals as the "biggest
terrorists", eastern Indian state Chhattisgarh Chief Minister
Raman Singh Wednesday said they may have links with terrorist
outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba and the menace would have to be tackled
through joint efforts between the Centre and the state without
use of air strikes.
Two days after naxals carried out another major strike in
his state in a month killing 35 people, Singh the Left-wing
extremists were now better trained and "force" would have to
be applied along with development to deal with the problem.
Addressing a press conference here, he said he was
getting adequate support from Indian Prime Minister Manmohan
Singh and Home Minister P Chidambaram.
"Who else can be termed as terrorists? They are the
biggest terrorists....Naxalism is a biggest challenge to the
democracy. They want to capture power at gunpoint," Singh said
when asked whether naxals were terrorists.
Giving details of naxal activities in last 10 years in
the state, he said they have killed more than 1000 civilians
and over 650 policemen besides blowing up 132 electric towers,
106 school buildings and three hospitals in the state.
The Chief Minister said the naxals were better trained
now as was indicated by the recent incident in Dantewada where
they blew up a bus.
"Though I have no confirmation but some facts have come
to light indicating that naxals may have some connection with
Lashkar (LeT) militants... The manner in which they are using
IEDs, explosives and weapons with 100 per cent technical
surety shows there are experts behind this who are giving them
training," Singh said.
To a question, he said aerial support was welcome but
air strikes could not be an option in the naxal-infested areas
because it could have collateral damage.
"There are landmines in upto 100 kms in an area. If
there is a blast it will take hours to take the injured to
hospital by road. Army helicopters can be used here. And also
for supplying emergency rations," Singh said.
"But I don't recommend use of air power as Chhattisgarh
has a huge dense forest cover inhabited by tribals and if any
such attack is launched, then they will suffer greatly...
Bombing is not possible in these areas. This is not a war," he
added. PTI ASI
KAB