The idea that could have stopped Sukma Naxal attack

NEW DELHI: Soon after Monday's ghastly attack by Maoists in Sukma in Chhattisgarh, former Union home secretary L C Goyal suggested that an Army cantonment be set up in Bastar, in line with a recommendation he had made to the country's security brass in 2015.

As per the proposal, while the Army would have no active role in the naxal pocket borough, its sheer presence would act as a deterrent and open up the area in terms of connectivity and development.

“During my tenure as home secretary, I had put together a proposal for creation of an Army cantonment in Abujhmarh area of Bastar. With the Left-wing extremists now carrying out fresh strikes in desperation to hold on to their last bastion, the proposal has become even more relevant,“ Goyal told TOI.

TOI has learnt that Goyal, whose tenure at the home ministry's was short-lived, had raised his idea of locating a cantonment area in Abujhmarh with both the home minister as well as other top officials of the security establishment. The paper presented by him talked about how the Army's presence would turn around the security situation in the Maoistsinfested area. While no direct role was proposed for the Army in the counter-Naxal grid, its presence would help to keep the naxals in check, he is said to have argued.

“Were a cantonment to come up, it would lead to massive improvement in connectivity, both in terms of roads and telecommunications.The area would get surveyed and, in due time, overall development of the area would happen. As the area gets opened, economic activity , such as setting up special economic zones (SEZ), could be taken up,“ said Goyal.

BJP, Congress condemn Sukma attack

Leaders of political parties condemned Monday's ghastly Maoist attack on CRPF that killed 25 jawans in Sukma.“Ambush of CRPF men in Sukma is an act of cowardice. I am pained beyond words at the loss of lives. My condolences to the martyrs families,“ said BJP President Amit Shah.

Expressing grief, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley tweeted: “I am deeply saddened to know about the killing of CRPF personnel in Sukma. My thoughts & prayers are with families of martyrs.“ Congress chief Sonia Gandhi condemned the killing of 24 CRPF personnel in Chhattisgarh by Maoists, terming it as “a big loss to the nation“. “The sacrifice of 24 brave men is a big loss to the nation. Such attacks will never deter (us) in the fight against extremism,“ Gandhi said in a statement. Party vice-president Rahul Gandhi offered condolences to the bereaved families while saluting the courage and sacrifice of CRPF personnel.