150% jump in killing of Naxals in 2016: Govt

In 2016, 222 naxals were killed compared to 89 in 2015

A huge 150 per cent jump has been witnessed in the number of Naxals killed in 2016 in comparison to the previous year, Lok Sabha was informed on Tuesday.

"The number of Left Wing Extremists (LWE) killed in 2016 as compared to 2015 has increased by 150 per cent — from 89 in 2015 to 222 in 2016. This number is highest in the last six years," Minister of State for Home Hansraj Ahir said replying a written question.

Ahir said inclusion/exclusion of districts under the security related expenditure scheme is a dynamic process which is periodically reviewed based on the overall security situation.

"There is no proposal under consideration to exclude 20 districts from the list of 106 LWE affected districts," he said.

The Minister said the government has approved the 'Road Connectivity Project for LWE Affected Areas' that includes construction/ upgradation of 5,411.81 km roads and 126 bridges/cross drainage in 44 districts of nine LWE affected states at an estimated cost of Rs 11,724.53 crore.