July 27, 2016
Special Mention by Dola Sen on the need to replicate successful models in combating Left Wing Extremism
Left Wing Extremism is the most potent threat the country faces today and in order to deal with it the country requires the Centre and State Governments to cooperate and share responsibility.
In our State of West Bengal, three districts are considered Maoist infested areas, namely, Paschim Medinipur, Bankura and Purulia, situated in the dense forest area that is called Jangalmahal,
Over the past 5 years, a number of welfare projects, measures and schemes like Kanyashree, Sabuj Sathi and Khadya Sathi were initiated and successfully implemented in these parts. This showcased that combat forces alone cannot solve the Naxal problem; development projects play an important role in winning the hearts of the poorest and the most affected people of that area. Bengal government’s approach has been adopted as a national model for tackling Left Wing Extremism.
Compared to 466 incidents in Chhattisgarh and 310 in Jharkhand in 2015, Bengal witnessed zero incidents and casualties in the last four and a half years, according to the figures of the Ministry of Home Affairs. To continue bringing Naxals back to the mainstream and keeping up the momentum of development in Jangalmahal as also other affected parts of the country, the Government must increase the allocation of funds required under the Integrated Action Plan for LWE districts.
Thank you.
