In an exclusive chat with The Quint’s Editorial Director Sanjay Pugalia, Union Minister Venkaiah Naidu said that only the ballot – and not the bullet – can bring about a change in regions marred by Naxalism. He, however, added that Naxalism in the country was now limited to the hilly jungles of Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Odisha and Andhra Pradesh.
Naidu was reacting to the deadly Naxal attack in Chhattisgarh’s Sukma district that killed 25 CRPF personnel.
Accusing the Naxals of employing ‘hit-and-run tactics’ in their attacks, Naidu said the state and the central governments are working in tandem to curb the violence.
Further, he said that Naxalites carried out attacks “out of desperation” triggered by a fear of being considered an insignificant force. He also questioned the silence of human rights organisations on the 25 slain CRPF personnel.
Watch the full interview: Exclusive: Venkaiah Naidu On Sukma Attack, ‘Gau Rakshaks’ and More
Video Editor: Sandeep Suman
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