“There will be a decisive push” against the rebels, also known as Maoists, he said, adding that focus will be on southern states where increased Maoist activity has been observed of late. Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha and Maharashtra are among the states affected by the Maoist violence. “Maoists are confined to Sukma in Chhattisgarh, Gadchiroli in Maharashtra, Malakangiri in Odisha and Balaghat in Madhya Pradesh,” said the second official. “The home ministry in consultation with the states has opted for pre-emptive police action in these areas,” the second official said. States such as Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and Maharashtra have dedicated forces to fight the Maoists.

Source: Hindustan Times July 04, 2019 00:33 UTC