Raman Singh devises elaborate development plan for Maoist-hit Bastar District

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh, has discussed an elaborate plan to strengthen security in Maoist-hit Bastar District.

Singh said road construction would be speeded up and added that every police station in the district would have solar power and better connectivity.

"We are going to speed up road construction and agency is about to be set up. Bastar will open up and

development will take place. Connectivity will increase. In every police station, whether it is connected with electricity or not, we have decided to set up solar plant there," said Singh.

Any development activity in Maoist-infested areas is often met with strong opposition from the red rebels. They attack workers and destroy the work done.

The rebels have operated for decades across a wide swathe of central and eastern India and grown in strength during recent times in areas where poor, tribal villagers came into conflict with mining companies seeking resources for industrialisation.

Maoists say they are fighting for the rights of poor farmers and landless labourers. Thousands have been killed in the insurgency since the late 1960s.