As part of a new strategy to counter Naxalism, the Union Home Ministry has sensitised ground level officials from 27 districts on the methodologies adopted by the ultra-left extremists and how to face the challenges.
The meeting, chaired by Union Home Secretary Anil Goswami and attended by superintendents of police of 26 worst Naxal-affected districts, emphasized the need to improve intelligence gathering and proactive involvement of special anti-Naxal forces of the States.
The meeting also underscored the need to define the roles of the state police and the Central paramilitary forces in undertaking anti-Naxal operations. The district police chiefs and paramilitary officials were also advised to reduce gaps in coordination in fighting the menace.
The Ministry blamed the failure of the local administration and police for the recent reverses at the hands of the Naxals. The two-day meeting was convened in the wake of July 3 killing of Pakur SP Amarjit Balihar by Maoists.