Indian government is working out a calibrated approach to deal with the Maoist problem as it does not want to use disproportionate force against the naxals who enjoy "sizeable" support in the civil society. Even as Maoists carry out strike after strike,the government is undecided on launching any operation against them and is weighing pros and cons. "We are debating sensitivity and sensibilities while considering the options. We are trying to review how best to go about it," said a government source here. While some operations have been launched,further actions are not being undertaken as the government "recognises that they (naxals) have sizeable amount of support in civil society",the source said. "The problem is not violence by Maoists,but the support from civil society who argue that they are a neglected lot. We are trying to deal with the problem with a calibrated approach," the source added. Significantly,the source underlined that Maoists are a problem but they are not to be treated as "terrorists". Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Home Minister P Chidambaram have repeatedly described naxalism as one of the greatest internal threats to the country. Chidambaram has been saying that the government is willing to hold talks with Maoists to address their grievances regarding development but wants them to cease violence first. Significantly,Chidambaram has not insisted on the Maoists laying down arms,saying he recognises that it was not practical.
