A meeting of the Chief Secretaries and the Directors General of Police (DGPs) of 10 left-wing extremism (LWE)-affected States and the Directors General (DsG) of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) was held in New Delhi recently, under the Chairmanship of Rajnath Singh, Union Home Minister.

During the meeting, the performance of different States in counter insurgency measures was discussed. Among other issues, anti-LWE operations, road connectivity and installation of mobile towers were also discussed.

Rajnath Singh stated that the Goverment will make all efforts to resolve the problem and will do its best in a balanced manner through administrative leadership and political commitment. He stated that the Central Government will respond positively to the suggestions of the States in overcoming this problem in a coherent and cohesive manner. There will be better coordination between Centre and States through the confidence and commitment of all concerned. He mentioned that the projects relating to road connectivity and telecom connectivity through mobile towers should be taken up on a priority basis.

The Union Home Minister also asked the State Governments to designate their nodal officers for better coordination with the Central Government. and other States on this subject. He added that young, bold and courageous District Magistrates and Superintendents of Police may be posted in initial years of their posting in these areas to provide better local administration and leadership. The surrender and rehabilitation packages may be revised to make it more attractive for the militant and Jan Militia cadres. He said that he is fully convinced that a coordination and concerted approach in this regard will help in finding a solution to the LWE problem.

Earlier, the Union Home Secretary Anil Goswami introduced the subject and subsequently detailed presentations were made by the participants. The Minister of State Kiren Rijiju, the Chief Secretaries and DGPs of LWE affected States (Andhra Pradesh. Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal) and DsG CAPFs attended the meeting.