Union Home Minister may be keen on a tough battle plan but there are others who disagree and political compulsions may be delaying a reasonable counter Naxal strategy
Centre stand on the Naxals has toughened following the killing of 17 policemen in Gadchiroli on Thursday and the brutal beheading of a Jharkhand Police officer Rancis Induwar in Ranchi on Tuesday.
Home Minister P Chidambaram has promised strong action against Naxal violence but not all within the United Progressive Alliance agree.
While most agree that the Naxal violence is a grave threat but some are apprehensive because of political compulsions and it is this dilemma which may make things a bit difficult for the Home Minister.
Sources reveal that a prudent approach would be the Rahul Gandhi line that Naxalism is basically a socio economic problem. So the "tough action, no talks" approach would have to be tempered by pumping in more money for development.
The goodwill that Naxalites have garnered among tribals, farmers and land tillers is also another worry and an argument against all out attack.
"People have got high expectations. When they are not getting the basic amenities there is every possibility of revolt," says Union Labour and Employment Minister Mallikarjun Kharge.
The high decibel ally Mamata Banerjee, who is charged with taking Maoist help in her popular agitations in Singur and Nandigram, is believed to be against any strong action. Faced with such apprehension some clauses had to be toned down.
The proposal to use Indian Air Force planes in combat against Naxals was shot down by some UPA members.
The Cabinet Committee on Security then decided to restrict it for relief and combing operations.
Lalu Prasad, with an eye on Jharkhand elections and the Left Front, which is fighting the Naxals in West Bengal, are also saying no to the Chidambaram approach.
The CCS may have waved the green flag to an anti-Naxal policy but as usual politics works as a speedbreaker.
