Maharashtra to establish unified command under Chief Minister to tackle Naxalism

MUMBAI: Aiming to tackle the growing menace of Naxalism, Maharashtra government has decided to set up a unified command under the Chief Minister, which will study the existing policies and strategies adopted by other states to combat Maoist terror.

According to a state Home department official, the committee for Integration and Co-ordination at the state government level will be chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and will comprise officials from other departments like Home, Finance, Public Works (PWD), state and central intelligence officials, along with defence officials.

"This committee will study the existing policies and strategies in place to tackle Naxalism in the state and co-ordinate with other states where there is Naxalism and also with the Centre. The committee will meet once in every two months and work towards curbing the growth of extremist left ideology and their activities in Maharashtra," the official said.

The committee will also co-ordinate with other states and the Centre on the security apparatus put in place to combat Naxalite activities, the official said adding: "It will also take stock of development schemes in Naxal affected areas and the equipment required for the purpose."

The Central government in 2010, under then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, had asked Naxal- affected states to set up a unified command to carry out anti - Naxal operations.

Following the Centre's orders, Chhattisgarh, Orissa, Jharkhand and West Bengal had then set up unified commands.

Assam and Jammu and Kashmir already have unified commands in place, headed by respective chief ministers.