‘Strengthen anti-naxal force’

Bangalore, dhns: Former minister and Congress leader D B Chandre Gowda on Sunday submitted a memorandum to the Governor, urging him to take steps to strengthen the anti-naxal task force in the State.

Mr Gowda expressed concern about the growing “secret operations” by naxalites in Chikkamagalur district, which included issue of threats to localities and collection of hafta.

He urged the Governor to upgrade the task force by equipping it with modern weapons and trained personnel. In another plea, Mr Gowda suggested that the existing infrastructure in the now closed Kudremukh Iron Ore unit could be utilised for setting up of a police training centre.

Chavan asked to intervene

Bangalore, dhns: A group of artistes and poets on Sunday urged AICC Karnataka in-charge Prithviraj Chavan to intervene and prevail upon the State Government to implement the Bangalore Mysore Infrastructure Corridor project.

In a memorandum submitted to Chavan, they alleged that the previous JD(S)-led government deliberately created roadblocks for Nandi Infrastructure Corridor Enterprise, the project promoter, to implement the prestigious project. The then Government’s affidavit to the SC on the new consortium, proposing to implement the project, is ridiculous, the memorandum said.