UPA to hold Naxal-hit states’ CMs’ meeting

NEW DELHI: Faced with the Opposition’s allegation of “policy confusion” in tackling Red terror, the UPA government is all set to consult the chief ministers on how to counter the Maoist menace across nine states during the meeting of the National Development Council (NDC) on July 24. The NDC is the highest consultative forum and is headed by the PM.

Originally, the NDC meeting was convened to get the CMs’ approval for the midterm appraisal of the 11th Five Year Plan. However, sources said that Left-wing extremism has been added to the agenda.

As the Centre and the states indulge in a blame game over the killings of security forces, UPA dispensation will try to bring all Naxal-hit states on board while formulating a comprehensive strategy, including development aspects, to deal with the problem.

Sources pointed out that the Planning Commission in its internal meeting, to be held on Monday, will finalise the proposal to counter Maoist violence that will be put up before the NDC.