‘Centre to aid, states must act’

On the possibilities of the Centre taking an initiative, on behalf of the affected states, to bring the Naxalites to the talks table, Patil parried the question. ‘‘Centre and state governments understand each others problems. We will back every action of the state and provide help, in whatever form, they need.’’

Sources said Patil is planning to convene a meeting of the chief ministers, home ministers and DGPs of the Naxalite-hit states in New Delhi next month to draw-up a strategy and also the nature of help to be rushed to the states.

CM Raman Singh, who along with state Home Minister Brij Mohan Aggarwal and DGP O.P. Rathore made a presentation, said: ‘‘Today’s meeting will prove a milestone in gearing the state to firmly deal with the Left-wing extremists’’. He claimed that Patil appreciated the government’s point of view that strong measures were needed to wipe out Naxalism.’’

• Karnataka has stepped up its offensive against Naxalites with more than 400 policemen engaged in combing operations particularly in hilly regions close to Venkatammanahalli in Pavagada Taluk of Tumkur district bordering AP. —PTI