We shall continue to be ruthless in our resolve to end Naxalism

Gyanendra Pratap Singh, director general of Central Reserve Police Force, has led operations that helped defang the United Liberation Front of Asom in the northeast and crack down on terror financing in Jammu and Kashmir. Now tasked with wiping out remnants of Naxal forces by next year, Singh says interstate coordination is proving to be crucial in ending the red menace. Excerpts from an interview:

- BY NAMRATA BIJI AHUJA

Q/ The Karreguttalu operations have been termed as the beginning of the end of Naxalism. What is the roadmap of the security forces?

A/ Multiple operations are being carried out across states where Naxals are known to take shelter. After Operation Black Forest, security forces have regularly neutralised Naxal leaders and cadres, and a significant number have also surrendered or been arrested. We would ensure that by March 31 next year, Naxalism as we know today is wiped out. After that, we would continue to wipe out conditions that gave birth to Naxalism—through enhanced developmental activities and service delivery to citizens.

Q/ Anti-Naxal operations in undivided Andhra Pradesh had Maoists taking refuge in Chhattisgarh. Do you think neighbouring states are prepared to stop Maoists from expanding base?