CM Eknath Shinde calls for effective mechanism to counter 'Urban Naxalism'

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde emphasized the need for an effective mechanism to combat urban Naxalism while speaking at a meeting in Delhi convened to review the security situation in Left Wing Extremism LWEaffected states The meeting was chaired by Union Home Minister Amit ShahAccording to a report in PTI Shinde acknowledged that development schemes in Naxalaffected areas had led to positive changes in those regions He expressed confidence that due to the effective implementation of various development programs Naxalism would soon be eradicated in places like GadchiroliDue to the effective implementation of various development schemes in Naxalaffected areas over the past year we will soon succeed in completely eradicating Naxalism in areas like Gadchiroli a statement issued by the Chief Ministers Office CMO quoted Shinde as sayingHowever he also highlighted the issue of urban Naxalism spreading through the internet and social media Shinde stressed the need to establish an effective mechanism to counteract this phenomenonAddressing financial aspects related to Naxalism Shinde suggested the formation of a joint group consisting of the Enforcement Directorate Income Tax Department and Financial Intelligence Unit to investigate the flow of funds to Naxalites He emphasized the importance of disrupting these financial transactionsEvery year billions of rupees are sent to Naxalites To stop this money transaction and to thoroughly investigate it a joint group of Enforcement Directorate Income Tax department and Financial Intelligence Unit should be formed the chief minister saidRegarding infrastructure development Shinde called for an expansion of the railway network in Naxalaffected areas He specifically mentioned the benefits of extending the railway network in the border regions of Gadchiroli Chhattisgarh and Telangana Such development he argued would be highly advantageous especially for projects like the Surjagad iron project stated the reportShinde also addressed the issue of providing timely medical attention to police officers injured during Naxal operations He proposed allowing night landings of helicopters during operations and rescue missions similar to military operations to ensure swift medical assistanceExpressing his gratitude to the Centre Shinde noted the approval of a fund worth Rs 5750 crore for basic amenities in Naxalaffected areas He pledged that operations to weaken the Naxalites influence would intensify in the coming two yearsThe Chief Minister also provided updates on the Eklavya Model Schools in Maoistaffected areas of the state He mentioned that three such schools were operational with construction underway for four more He highlighted the successful resolution of land issues for two schools in Korchi and Dhanora marking significant progress in education infrastructure in these regionsWith PTI inputs