Maoist problem: Kerala Govt to double developmental works

Concerned over maoists' move to radicalise tribals and youths in some parts of state, Kerala Government has decided to "double" its developmental and welfare initiatives in vulnerable areas.
"We will be very careful," Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy said when asked about the Maoist problem in some parts of the state and the arrests of its top leaders, including Roopesh, his wife Shyna and their comrades from Coimbatore earlier this month.
Noting that the tribals and youths are the "real target" of the reds, the chief minister, in his recent interaction with PTI, said, "We will double our developmental and welfare efforts in tribal areas" to effectively deal with the problem.

"The Maoist movement and its threat cannot be seen as a simple law and order problem and more positive steps are required to tackle it," he said in his first remarks on the issue since the state began to discuss it widely following the arrests of top Kerala Maoists by Tamil Nadu police.
He said the Kerala Government had already been taking "several positive measures" in tribal areas and for youths and it was because of such steps the reds could not attract them in their fold.
Kerala Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala had recently said the arrest of top Maoist activists will put an end to the extremists' move to make Kerala a hub of their activities.

"They are not enjoying the support of tribal people," he had said dismissing suggestions that the Maoists have strong support base among tribal population in some parts of the state.