Substantial efforts have been made to tackle red menace in Chhattisgarh and Naxalism issue will be resolved considerably in the next three years, Chief Minister Raman Singh said today.
"Substantial efforts have been made to wipe out Naxalism from the state and the issue will be solved to a certain extent in Bastar and other insurgency-hit areas in the next three years," Singh told reporters.
"The Sarguja and Jashpur area in the state's northern part was affected by the red movement a few years back and it was difficult for people to come out (of their houses). Various incidents used to take place in all districts, but now this area is no more affected by Naxalism," he said.
A large part of Bastar region in southern part of the state is free from Naxalism and the activity of the ultras is limited to a few areas, said Singh, who completed 12 years in office today.
"The day is not far when people will fearlessly travel from Raipur to Bastar. This day will soon arrive when the entire area will be safe," he added.
Singh informed that his government has constructed 268 km of roads in the Bastar area in the last one year.
The government's aim is to create 500 km of roads (in the area) and the target will be achieved, he said.
"People's confidence has increased in the Bastar region and rebels in a large number have turned themselves in. There is pressure of police and locals on Naxals," the Chief Minister said.
People of Bastar want development, Singh said adding that they have experienced development in the region and education institutions are coming up.
"People have become aware and with it Naxalism can be wiped out. Naxal issue cannot only be solved with the help of gun," he said.
Singh expressed hope that in the next three years the state government will be in a better position and Baster will move ahead with peace and development.
Referring to decades of turmoil in Jammu and Kashmir,
Singh said a time will come when not just those who got displaced, those still living in the valley would realise what and how much they have lost.
Stressing that a composite culture in J&K was possible only with the co-existence of all communities, Singh said after passage of two generations, even the people of the Valley will have this realisation.
The minister said there was a need to counter the propaganda that is being spread about Kashmiri Pandits that they do not want to return to the Valley.
Singh said it is matter of pride that Kashmiri Pandits are at top positions across the country, but it is wrong to say that they do not love their homes.
Another false information, he said, being spread was that the displaced people were forced to leave by some authorities (and not by terrorists).
Asserting that Indians were citizens of a very spiritual nation, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju said even the super-rich, like Hollywood actors, come here in their quest for happiness.
Sometimes, we Indian forget how great we are, and begin following the ideas or religions of others, he said, adding that there was no need to look outside when everything is available in India.
The minister also said Indian thought is very deep and begins from where the western thought ends.
In his address, Blackman said Kashmir was an integral part of India and it was not for his country to interfere.
He expressed friendship and support.
