Naxals influencing sections of society: PM

Speaking at a conference of police chiefs here, the Prime Minister said Naxals's ability to enhance their military potential and increase their influence in seven states "is and should be a cause of worry".

"The ability of Left wing extremists to gradually increase their numbers, enhance their 'military potential', and entrench themselves in some areas of the seven affected states in the country is and should be a cause of worry," he said.

Singh said paramilitary forces have to play an important role in minimising the loss of lives due to the use of Improvised Explosive Devices and preventing exploitation of inter-state boundaries by Naxals.

"Acquisition of indigenous capacity for fabrication of hardware and the ability to ideologically sway sections of society into raising a clamour about violation of human rights only adds to the complexity of the situation," he said.

He said the State police forces on their part must ensure that apprehended Left Wing Extremists are prosecuted quickly and effectively.

Singh said the Left Wing Extremists affected states also need to improve the police-population ratio, strengthen police infrastructure and equip their police forces with better weapons, better communication systems and better training.