PM TWO

Singh said the intention of such groups was apparently
to create an impression of widespread turmoil in the state.

"We must not allow such situation to develop. It is
imperative that these efforts are contained and checked," he
stressed.

The Prime Minister expressed concern over increasing
incidents of Naxal violence which he termed as the "gravest
internal security threat."

"I have consistently held that Left Wing Extremism
poses perhaps the gravest internal security threat that we
face. We have not achieved as much as success as we would have
liked in containing it. It is a matter of concern that despite
efforts, the level of violence in the affected states
continues to rise," he said.

Contending that Naxalism cannot be treated as a
law and order problem, he said dealing with Maoists requires a
"nuanced" strategy.

"Despite its sanguinary nature the movement manages to
retain a section of the tribals and the poorest of the poor in
many areas. It has influence among sizable sections of civil
society, the intelligentsia and youth. It still retains a
certain elan. All this adds to the complexity of the problem,"
Singh said.

He said the situation in the North-Eastern part of the
country is "far from comfortable" especially in Manipur and
Assam where current levels of violence were cause for
concern. (More) PTI