Members of Chhattisgarh    assembly cutting across party lines on Monday sought to end Naxal menace in the state and urged the government to take stern steps in this regard.

BJP member Brijmohan Agrawal and 12 other members moved over the issue an adjournment motion, which was taken up for discussion on the second day of the monsoon session of the assembly.

BJP members also sought to provide security, government residence and financial assistance to family members of late Dantewada MLA Bhima Mandavi, who was killed in a Maoist attack.

Agrawal, moving the motion, stated that there is an increase in Naxal violence and loss of lives in such violence.

Terming the killing of Mandavi a political murder, he stated that there was a security lapse led to the killing of a person with Z-plus security and claimed that Director General of Police (DGP) gave irresponsible statement to cover up the failure on the incident.

Throwing light on series of events that led to the demise of Mandavi, Home minister Tamradwaj Sahu denied any failure on the part of security forces. He also stated that family members of the late leader were provided with security cover.

In the last six months 27 civilians lost their lives in Maoist attacks, the minister said, pointing out that in the corresponding period in 2018, the number was 42.

Sahu said around 36 Maoists have been killed in encounters while 273 were arrested and 174 surrendered this year.

Home minister said government is moving ahead with clear cut policy on tackling the problem.

Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel and other ministers are visiting Naxal-affected interior areas to  interact with people, police and other stake holders of the society. Government is also pushing            job-oriented development initiatives as it is committed to eradicate Naxalism, he said.