Press Briefing Wednesday, 7th April 2010

Smt. Jayanthi Natarajan addressed the media today.


Smt. Jayanthi Natarajan said that we express our shock and sorrow at the outrageous attack on the security forces by the so-called Maoists’ fighters at the terrible loss of life and the direct challenge to the constitutional principles of our democracy. We would like to express our heartfelt condolences to the families of all bereaved and those who lost their loved ones and pay tribute to the courage and sacrifice of the brave jawans who were fighting the battle against the insurgency and gave up their lives in that cause. We believe that it is absolutely vital and most important before our polity and country now to wipe out the menace of the Maos’ insurgency. The Central Government, the Prime Minister and the Home Ministry have taken cognizance of the matter yesterday of the latest attack. The Central Government should take all steps to ensure that any such attack is prevented in future and to wipe out the Maos’ challenge from our country and we also expect that the State Governments should give the fullest co-operation to the Centre and together the Central Government and the State Government should finally wipe this terrible crouch from our country.

To a question on how it is proposed to wipe out the menace of Naxalism, Smt. Natarajan said that the fact of the matter is that it is one of the most shocking attacks upon our democratic polity. It is a challenge to throw our constitutionally elected Government and, therefore, it should be fought with all the strength at our command and at every possible level. The Home Minister has already said that they have discussed the matter. We are fully with the Government in all the steps they are taking. It is for the Government to decide the course of action.

Smt. Natarajan further added that the Home Minister has already said that he is not considering it for the time being and repeated that we are fully behind the Government in all the steps they are taking to control this menace. Regarding the exact strategy of control, that is the matter on which the Central and State Government is working.

To another question whether this is a law and order problem or socio-economic problem, Smt. Natarajan said that the socio economic issue will be tackled but that is the long range steps that need to be taken. A long term vision is to be taken on that issue but at this point of time this violence needs to be put down at all costs. It has become a challenge.

Smt. Natarajan further said that the Home Minister has demonstrated great concern and is devoted to the task at hand but the fact remains that yesterday’s incident was an outrageous and shocking incident. The sentiments have been echoed by the Home Minister himself and we believes that the Government is very keen to wipe out this menace. The Congress Party demands of the Government that strong action should be taken.

 

Tom Vadakkan
Secretary, AICC