Opposition sees red over rising Naxal menace

BHUBANESWAR: Increasing activities of the Maoists in the backward Western Orissa districts have emerged as a new challenge for the State Government which is grappling with many other problems. The Opposition parties like the Congress and the BJP have blamed the Government for the state of affairs. The region, which was free from any Maoist activities a few years back, has now become a safe haven for the rebels. Situation has deteriorated to such an extent that in several places police personnel do not want to remain in police stations after the sunset. Sources said ultras have strengthened their base in Nuapada, Balangir, Sambalpur and Bargarh districts. Their activities have grown manifold in the Western Orissa districts which is a warning sign for the Government, senior Congress leader Narasingh Mishra told this paper. Balangir district was earlier free from the menace, but now Tureikela and Khaprakhol have become Maoist-strongholds, Mishra said and added cops fear to remain in police stations in these areas during night. There is no visible law and order machinery in the region, he claimed. Echoing similar concerns, BJP Legislature Party leader KV Singhdeo criticised the State Government for lack of action plan to deal with the deteriorating situation. “The State Government does not have the willpower to fight the menace,” he said. Even the ruling BJD functionaries from the area are worried over the situation and the State Government’s ‘inaction’. Mishra alleged that poverty among the people of Western Orissa and the lack of any Government initiative for development work are responsible for this. The former minister also charged the State Government with utilising funds meant for development work in Maoist-affected districts to appease BJD workers. The Congress leader said funds under the Integrated Action Plan (IAP), a Central government programme, are being misused in this manner. Last year the Centre had released Rs 25 crore for each of the Maoist- affected districts in the State. This has been increased to Rs 30 crore this year. The fund is meant for implementation of development works to counter Maoists. But this is being spent in a very partisan manner, he regretted.