Chidambaram picks 33 MPs for Naxal lessons

NDTV Correspondent, Friday April 30, 2010, New Delhi

The government has identified MPs from 33 Naxal-hit districts, who shall be briefed by Home Minister P Chidambaram on the national strategy to deal with Naxals. Chidambaram will seek their cooperation.

The Home Minister is also expected to discuss hurdles in the implementation of various development plans in Naxal-hit districts.

A Planning Commission task force had reported after the Dantewada massacre that development plans had been slowest in the areas with big Naxal presence.

The report found that in Dantewada, claims for the land allocated under the Forest Rights Act had not been given.

Only 35 per cent of the funds meant for roads had been used and only 16 per cent of the healthcare money had been spent.

The government is focusing on connectivity in these terrains as that has been the biggest disadvantage security forces face during anti-Naxal operations.