Hyderabad: Union minister of state for home G. Kishan Reddy said that the Centre can provide assistance if the state governments asked for it in issues concerning left-wing extremism.
He was replying to a question with regard to the killing of a TRS leader by Maoists last week. The minister, who is in the city, told Deccan Chronicle, “It’s a state issue. Every state, whether it is Telangana, Andhra Pradesh or Chhattisgarh will look after it. We will provide Central assistance if they ask for it.”
TRS leader Nalluri Srinivas Rao was kidnapped by Naxals on July 8 from Kothur in Bhadradri-Kothagudem district and was found murdered on July 11 in Errampadu in Chhattisgarh.
In reply to another question, the minister said that many steps would be taken with regard to ensuring the safety of women and children.
Mr Kishan Reddy said amendments would be proposed to the Indian Penal Code to permit awarding of capital punishment for anyone convicted of raping children under the age of 18 years as against the present age of 12 years.
