KORAPUT: Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday reiterated the Government’s stand on Maoists and appealed to them to give up arms and join the mainstream for building a developed nation. During his one-day visit to the BSF camp in Koraput, Singh said crores of rupees that the Centre is spending on anti-Maoist operations in different States could have been used for socio-economic development of people if Maoists gave up violence.
He said the Central Government is providing all necessary help demanded by the Odisha Government to continue anti-Maoist operation in the State. “We are ready to give more support to the State for its anti-Maoist operation as and when required,” he said. Commending the role of Odisha Government, Odisha Police and the para-military forces in curbing Maoist violence, he congratulated the security personnel. “They are performing very well,” he said.
The Union Home Minister said the Government welcomes the Maoists to hold talks through democratic process after laying down the arms. “I want to appeal to them to shun the path of violence and join the mainstream. Government is ready to hold talks with them if they give up violence without any condition,” Singh told reporters here. Speaking about the Centre’s development works in the country, he said the NDA Government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi has launched a host of welfare schemes and Maoists should avail these benefits.
Earlier in the morning, Singh held a high-level meeting with officials of CRPF, BSF, Odisha Police and reviewed the anti-Maoist operation being carried out in Koraput and Malkangiri districts. He directed officials to gear up operations in the Maoist-affected areas and also look into development works at the same time. Director General of Police KB Singh, BSF DG KK Sharma and Special DG CRPF K Durga Prasad were present, among others. Later, the Union Home Minister addressed the BSF jawans and exhorted them to do their jobs with sincerity. Elaborate security arrangements were made in Koraput for Singh’s visit.