Source: The Sangai Express
New Delhi, September 14, 2009:
Maoists are trying to forge an alliance with insurgents and secessionist elements in the North East to expand their network and influence, Home Minister P Chidambaram said today, reflecting a new security challenge.
"It (Communist Party of India-Maoist) has been keenly seeking ideological resonance and tactical understanding with the North East insurgents and has begun to lend support to their secessionist ideology and demands," Chidambaram said, adding, the naxals are making a bid to expand their network and influence in the country.
The Home Minister said Left wing extremism purports to be a radical form of communism and today, various groups adhering to this outdated ideology have their pockets of influence in 20 States across the country.
"Over 2,000 police station areas in 223 districts in these States are partially or substantially affected by the menace," he said.
Chidambaram said violence, the most visible aspect of naxal menace, has been consistently witnessed in about 200 police station areas of around 90 districts in 13 states of these States.He said CPI(Maoist) has also improved upon its military wares and operational tactics.
Besides targeting the police, alleged police informers and so-called class enemies, it is laying greater emphasis on attacking economic and development infrastructure such as roads, bridges, railways, power and telecommunication networks, he said.