Thirteen Naxal-affected states would participate in the Coordination Centre meeting, headed by Union Home Secretary V K Duggal, tomorrow in New Delhi to come up with strategies to deal with Naxalism.In the wake of the growing Naxal menace, the Union Home Ministry has asked all Naxal-affected states to account for the grants given to them by the Centre. These include security related expenditure provided for modernising the state police force and the funds for development of backward areas.The Union Home Ministry has been criticised for not being able to form an unified strategy against the Naxals. The Ministry, however, maintained that law and order is a state subject and it can only assist states to fight Naxals but cannot start operations directly.‘‘This year will be better than last year regarding fight against Naxalism,’’ Duggal said. He said all the states have been asked to detail the steps taken by them to counter Naxalism. Most importantly, the Centre is also focusing on the inter-state joint task force some of which are not functional yet.While some states like AP and Chhattisgarh have been substantially successful in fighting the Naxals because of their planning and strategy, most states are yet to get their act together. For instance, Bihar is yet to raise an additional India Reserve Battalion despite funds being provided for. Meanwhile, Maoist has called a 24-hour bandh in three West Bengal districts of West Midnapur, Purulia and Bankura on January 16 in protest against Orissa’s Kalinga Nagar incident.
