"Political intervention is the need of the hour to eliminate Left wing extremism. Political parties must play a big role to deal with Naxal menace...Security forces alone cannot fight the menace," he said at a public meeting here.
Ramesh said all parties, including Congress, BJD and BJP, should hear the grievances of the people and address them sincerely.
"People's representatives cutting across party lines should be sensitive to communities' problem...As more and more women are joining Maoist cadre, they should be encouraged to be part of the political process. If these misguided youths get opportunity in politics, they will not join such illegal outfits," the union minister said.
Pledging full support for development of Naxal-hit Malkangiri district, Ramesh said there should be all out efforts from different quarters to ensure that developmental activities were not affected due to extremism.
"The central government will provide adequate funds to ensure speedy development of Malkangiri district and make it number one in the state. However, political intervention into the vexed issue is a must," he said.
"Though the Centre have been giving adequate funds for rural connectivity, only 35 per cent of the money is spent here. If contractors are unwilling to undertake works due to Maoist fear, work should be executed through panchayats," the union minister said. MORE
