Reports of rise in Naxal, terror attacks serious: Cong leader

Congress leader Rajiv Shukla today said the reports of an increase in Naxal and terror attacks in the country were "serious" and added that the home ministry should inform the public of the steps being taken in this regard.
He alleged that the government had failed to curb Naxals and terror attacks, contrary to its claims while announcing demonetisation, and warned that the internal security situation in the country was going through "tough times".
Shukla claimed reports from intelligence agencies suggested that Naxal groups were regrouping and looking to expand their presence to areas beyond the so-called Red Corridor.
"The government made tall claims that demonetisation will result in elimination of Naxalism but those claims have evaporated in thin air," he alleged.

The Congress leader claimed that there were 17 major Naxal attacks after notes ban in which 69 security personnel and 86 civilians were killed.
He said the logic of the prime minister's claim cannot be understood in view of these figures.

"Both are very serious issues and the government should take the nation into confidence and explain what steps are being taken to curb Naxal and terrorist activities which are on the rise," he alleged.
"The Home Ministry should come out with its plan and tell the nation about the steps being taken to check such attacks as this is a very serious issue," he said.

The Congress leader claimed terrorists and Naxals were caught with the new currency notes and even fake Rs 2000 notes.
"Will the Home Ministry deny this? When will the government rise from its slumber and take concrete steps to deal with the biggest internal security threat," he asked.
Shukla cited yesterday's attack on Jharkhand-Chhattisgarh border at Boodha Pahad area, in which 7 jawans, including 5 from the CRPF, were seriously injured when Naxals carried out not less than 56 landmine blasts.
He said the Congress condemned the incident and prayed for the injured soldiers. This, he said, was the second major attack in the past week as on November 11, in a similar landmine blast attack by Naxals, 4 jawans were attacked in Jharkhand's Latehar District.

Citing Home Ministry data, he said till April 2017 at least 250 naxal attacks were carried out in affected districts of Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha, Bihar, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh.