By IANS,
Raipur : Maoist militants pose a threat to India’s unity and integrity, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh said Friday in his Independence Day speech.
“Due to Maoists, India’s unity and integrity are under threat. I salute our brothers in Bastar who have launched a self-inspired movement ‘Salwa Judum’ against the guerrillas,” Raman Singh said at the Police Parade ground here.
The highlights of the function were a cultural programme by students attired in colourful dress and a show by sniffer dogs.
In his 20-minute speech, Raman Singh said: “I would like to make it clear that I will not bow to any individual or group that has no faith in democracy, believes in violence and is involved in anti-national activities.”
The government has appointed about 4,500 youths as Special Police Officers (SPO) in the state’s sprawling Bastar region to team up with the police to taken on Maoists.
He said the police strength had risen from 26,000 four years back to 46,000 now to fight the Maoists.