Left Wing Extremism continue to be a matter of concern: MHA

New Delhi

Naxal activities continue to be a matter of concern with 35 districts in seven states being badly-hit, according to the annual report of the Home Ministry for 2015-16.

“Left Wing Extremism (LWE) remains an area of concern for internal security of the country,” the report submitted to Parliament said.

While 106 districts in 10 states are affected by Maoist activities in varying degrees, 35 districts in seven states are the most affected.

“CPI (Maoist) continues to be the most potent among the various LWE outfits in the country and accounts for more than 80 per cent of total LWE violence incidents and resultant deaths,” the report said.

Referring to Jammu and Kashmir, the Home Ministry said the state has been affected by terrorist and secessionist violence “sponsored and supported” from across the border for more than two decades.

“Since the advent of militancy in Jammu and Kashmir in 1990, 13,921 civilians and 4,961 security personnel have lost their lives till 2015,” it said.

The Home Ministry said the endeavour of the government in Jammu and Kashmir has been to proactively take suitable measures by all security forces to safeguard the borders from cross-border terrorism and to contain militancy.

“The priorities of the government are to ensure that the democratic process is sustained and the primacy of civil administration restored to effectively tackle the socio-economic problems facing the people on account of the effects of prolonged militancy in the state.

“And, also to ensure a sustained peace process and to provide adequate opportunities to all sections of people in the state who eschew violence to effectively represent their view points and to redress their genuine grievances,” the annual report said.

PTI