Gujarat Chief Minister Anandiben Patel on Tuesday said that despite attempts to introduce Maoism in Gujarat, left-inspired violence had not covered much ground because of “pro-active steps for all-round development of tribals in our state”.
Advocating strong measures to fortify internal security, called on for increased cooperation bet’n states to eliminate crime from society.
— Anandiben Patel (@anandibenpatel) September 29, 2015
“The spread of influence of extremist elements is a matter of common concern. Gujarat has remained unaffected despite attempts to introduce Maoism in the state,” Patel said in her speech at a Western Zonal Council meeting in Panaji.
Attended 21st meeting of the Western Zonal Council chaired by @HMOIndia Shri @BJPRajnathSingh in Goa pic.twitter.com/xo9XIWZ361
— Anandiben Patel (@anandibenpatel) September 29, 2015
States that are mostly unaffected by Maoist violence should be equipped to defeat attempts to introduce violence, she said.
“We would welcome a specific policy to put in place a mechanism to ensure that those state which are today mostly unaffected by Maoist violence can be equipped to defeat attempts to introduce violence,” she said, adding that a “proactive strategy to foster development and counter extremism will surely save lives and resources in future”.
Am sure discussions among Western states & GoI during the meet will pave way for greater teamwork leading to further progress of the region.
— Anandiben Patel (@anandibenpatel) September 29, 2015
The meeting was attended by top politicians and bureaucrats from western Indian states like Gujarat, Goa, Maharashtra and Union territories Daman and Diu.