Denial of rights to the people in backward and tribal regions is one of the prominent causes of rise of Naxalism in the country, especially in the central and eastern parts of India. The views were expressed by Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee while speaking at the annual day function of the CRPF.

He said that Naxalite group should be dealt firmly and also they should be combated through development activities across the affected regions. While acknowledging the problems faced by security forces, he said that it is necessary to use force to bring back normalcy in the Naxalism affected areas.

Mukherjee said, "The rise of left-wing extremism in the backward areas of the country is, in a way, a reflection of our failure in meeting the expectations of the local people."

He also urged security forces to handle the situation carefully during their fight against anti-national elements without causing much loss to general public.