Jharkhand Governor asks naxalites to join mainstream

RANCHI: Jharkhand Governor Syed Ahmed today said naxalism was a big problem in the state's progress and appealed to extremists to shun the path of violence.

"Naxalism is a big problem in the path of development. Violence has no place in a democracy," Ahmed said while unfurling the flag to mark the Republic Day celebrations here.

"I appeal to the misguided youth to keep away from the path of violence and adopt peace and brotherhood, which is good for them and the state," the governor said.

Admitting that much has to be done on the development front, he said efforts would be made to speed up implementation of development programmes and social welfare initiatives so that Jharkhand could be counted among the developed states.

Quoting B R Ambedkar that it required strong-willed persons to take the state on progressive path, Ahmed said "today is the day for introspection; let us pledge to take our state to such a stage that would leave others think what was the secret behind our growth."

Ahmed said that former Prime Ministers Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi made the same references, while Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru famously said "now we have to walk miles."