Modi calls for strategies to halt left wing extremism

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Wednesday called for the development of strategies to "stop the spread of left wing extremism" in the country.

Chairing a high-level review on tribal welfare, Modi said: "There is a need for the development of strategies to stop the spread of left wing extremism and it should be the key role to be played by the government."

He said that the tribal communities of India was a great force for national development and various ministries and wings of the government should work in coordination to achieve the goal.

Modi urged the stake holders to identify growth centres within tribal areas, and ensure proper development of education, health and sports facilities in the country.

"One of the key objectives should be to work towards technology penetration - for instance, electricity and mobile phone reach - in the tribal areas. Another important objective should be to link relatively undeveloped tribal areas with developed areas through good infrastructure," Modi said during the review meet.

Emphasising on digitisation of vast repository of the ancient knowledge of the tribals, Modi also directed the officials to work towards organizing a tribal cultural troupe carnival, on the lines of the Republic Day Parade.

The prime minister also stressed on the need to map sickle cell anaemia among the tribal population, on a scientific basis.

He also instructed the NITI Aayog to involve relevant research institutions, and eminent experts in all aspects of planning for tribal areas.