By IANS,
West Midnapore (West Bengal): Citing non-development as the main reason why Maoists are flourishing, union Rural Development Minister Jairam Ramesh Saturday said the government needed to focus on growth, political dialogue and police action to tackle the guerrillas.
“The Maoists and Naxals have flourished here because these areas have remained undeveloped for long. A lot needs to be done for the people there so that they get their basic needs. The key focus should be on rural development along with political dialogue and police action to tackle them,” he said.
Jairam Ramesh is on a visit to the state to take stock of the various rural developmental projects in the forested stretches of three districts of West Midnapore, Purulia and Bankura — which are popularly known as Junglemahal, a Maoist stronghold.
“The central government has declared 60 districts across the country as Maoist affected which includes West Midnapore. Soon, Bankura and Purulia too would be included,” he said.
The minister also said the government was keen on undertaking various development projects in Maoist affected districts.
“In the next two years, 600 kms of rural roads will be constructed. The ideal need is 1,800 kms across the country, which we will be undertaken soon,” he said.