Andhra Pradesh   

Cabinet empowers YSR to take decision on ban

Special Correspondent

1,200-strong tribal battalion to be formed

HYDERABAD: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy was empowered by the Cabinet unanimously here on Tuesday to take whatever decision suitable for tackling the naxalite problem, including re-imposition of the ban.

Stern action sought

The Ministers authorised him to take stern action against the extremist outfits.

"There can be no laxity or delay any longer," the meeting felt.

The Cabinet deliberated on the ban but did not decide against its re-imposition as widely expected as a fallout of the Narayanpet killings on Monday.

The ban on naxalites had lapsed in May last but the Rajasekhara Reddy Government did not renew it in order to create a conducive atmosphere for the talks which were on with naxalites at that time.

Tribal battalion

In a related decision, the Cabinet resolved to create a "tribal battalion" with 1,206 uniformed men, all to be recruited from among the girijans from the notified areas.

The new force could be used by the police for containing naxalite activity.

The battalion would be formed with an annual expenditure of Rs. 13.73 crores with 10 inspectors, 30 sub-inspectors, 45 assistant SIs, 277 head-constables and 820 constables.

Briefing presspersons later, Information Minister Mohd. Ali Shabbir ruled out further talks with the naxalites unless they laid down arms.

Minister talks tough

If they did not comply and continued with killings, the Government would not keep quiet. He did not elaborate if the "stern action" implied intensified combing operations or re-imposition of the ban.

Tributes paid

The meeting condoled the death of the Congress MLA, C. Narsi Reddi, and eight others, including his son, in the brutal attack by naxalites in Narayanpet and observed two minutes' silence as a mark of respect to his memory.

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