President addresses Parliament, talks tough on Naxals

New Delhi: After a bloody week of Naxal violence, 'red terror' figured prominently in the President's speech to both Houses of Parliament on Monday, the first day of the Budget session. (See Naxal attacks in pics)

President Pratibha Patil said the Government is concerned about increasing Naxal activity and reiterated that it is willing to talk but the Naxals have to lay down their arms first.

Terming the recent Maoist strike on a paramilitary camp in West Bengal as a "cowardly" act, President Pratibha Patil made it clear that such "senseless violence" would strengthen the government's resolve to tackle it with "added vigour". (Read: Naxals massacre cops, furious Centre wants answers)

Patil said Left wing extremists are continuing to indulge in violence. "Left wing extremists continue to indulge in senseless violence, as seen in their recent attacks in West Bengal where a large number of innocent lives have been lost. These cowardly acts strengthen our resolve to meet with added vigour the challenge posed by such violence," she said.

Last week, Mamata Banerjee had demanded references to Naxalism in the President's speech be watered down.

Also read: Don't keep raising Naxal bogey: Supreme Court to Centre