PTI

New Delhi, Apr 9: Centre is all set to adopt tough measures to combat the naxal menace through a "concrete and stern" action plan that envisages modernisation of security forces to tackle what they describe is a "key internal security concern".

The Central government has prepared an action-plan which is a consolidation of various measures including fortifying the states against the ultras by providing the forces with modern weaponry, dedicated intelligence network and special training in anti-Naxal operations, official sources told PTI here.

The sources said the action plan is expected to be spelled-out by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh during a day-long conference of Chief Ministers of naxal-affected states on April 13 in the national capital.

Besides reviewing the security situation in these states, Centre would also seek a status report on various steps taken so far by the affected states government to tackle the menace.

The conference, which will be attended by Chief Ministers of Andhra Pradesh, Orissa, Bihar, Chhatisgarh, Maharashtra and Jharkhand, will discuss threadbare a future course of action to combat naxalism.