Being a top anti-Naxalite campaign activist, do you think that a peoples’ movement — like the Salwa Judum — was essential to counter rebels in all Naxal affected states?

As I said, whether it is in Bastar, Lalgarh, or any other region, Maoists always try to keep the local people with them, projecting themselves as their well-wishers. Every state has to ensure active involvement of the people — both in the campaign against Maoists as well as in development of the area — to bring about a change in the attitude of the people of the problem areas. Once the rebels lose their core support base, it is the end of the game for them.

State Govt records show good response to National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (NREGS) in Bastar. Did NREGS make any difference in problem areas of Bastar?

Being the implementing agency for centrally sponsored schemes, it is not a difficult task for the state Government to claim credit for good work under schemes like NREGS. Many such schemes are being implemented in non-Naxal affected villages. As NREGS has proved its potential in generating jobs, an effort is required to take such schemes to villagers where they are actually required. The state Government has to take development to the Naxal affected areas.