Anti-naxal operations will be intensified: Home Secretary R K Singh

RAIPUR: Anti-naxal operations will be intensified with more security forces and modern weapons being provided by the Centre to the affected regions, Union Home Secretary R K Singh on Tuesday said.

"We will coordinate with naxal-hit states adjoining Chhattisgarh and forces and modern weapons would be provided by the Centre for anti-naxal operations," Singh told reporters here after taking a meeting of senior officials at the police headquarters.

He said anti-naxal operations in the affected (Bastar) region would be intensified.

Singh is here to hold a review meeting with senior state officials regarding the Saturday's naxal attack on Congress leaders.

When asked about the press release issued by naxals in which they regretted killing some innocent people, Singh said, "Yes, they were not on their hit-list, inspite of that they were shot dead."

He said a judicial inquiry has been ordered by the state and NIA is also probing the attack.

When asked about the role of the Army against naxalites, he said, "There is no need to use Army in the region."

Twenty seven people including PCC chief Nand Kumar Patel, his son Dinesh, Congress leader Mahendra Karma were killed and 32 others, including former Union Minister V C Shukla, were injured in Saturday's naxal attack in Sukma district of Chhattisgarh.