Strong opposition in areas where power, mining projects are coming up is a manifestation of modern naxalism, according to Mr Jairam Ramesh, Union Minister of Rural Development.
Addressing a press conference here on Saturday, he said this new face of naxalism was reflected in projects that flouted norms. Referring to opposition to Posco, Vedanta, bauxite mining in Araku and power plant in Sompeta (Andhra Pradesh), he said environment and displacement were very serious issues and needed to be addressed. “If not addressed, this could acquire Naxalite overtones,” he felt.
To counter naxalism, the country needed to focus on transparent and efficient rural development programmes.
As part of this, the number of Left Wing Extremist districts would be increased to 78 from the present 60.
Characteristics of problem
Mr Jairam Ramesh had spoken about important characteristics of Naxalite dominant districts. “They are mostly tribal, mostly forest-rich, mostly mineral-rich and are in the tri-junction of States,” he said.
He said all the 60 districts belonged to the tri-junctions such as Andhra Pradesh-Maharashtra-Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh-Chhattisgarh-Orissa and Jharkhand-Orissa-Chhattisgarh.