Cops intensify combing operations against Maoists in Malnad

The police in Chikmagalur, Shimoga and Udupi districts have intensified combing operations in Malnad.

Following the intelligence inputs that Maoists are trying to recruit few more persons to the movement, the combing in being carried out by the respective district SPs.

Sources said “Maoist leaders B G Krishnamurthy and Neelaguli Padmanabha have left for Kerala for training. There are 15 members in the Maoist group that are operating in Malnad. Mundagaru Latha is leading the group. Anticipating that Maoists might try to recruit villagers in Sringeri and Koppa taluk, the police have visited Narasimha Parvatha, Manikyabetta, Tarolli Kudige, Devalekoppa and other areas in the region as a part of combing operations.”

DySP, Circle Inspectoprs, PSIs from Sringeri, Koppa, N R Pura, Jayapura, Balehonnur, Kalasa and Kudremukh stations participated in the combing operations. Normally combing operations are carried out jointly by the ANF and police. However, this time civil police have swung into action under the guidance of SP.

“Operation against Maoists is a continuous process. The combing operations was carried out across the district. We have not found any movement of Maoists or their activities in the region. ANF is also joining hands,” said SP R Chetan to Deccan Herald.

“None of the Maoists have come forward to surrender in the district. The surrender process of Sirimane Nagaraj and Zulfikar Sridhar is being processed at the State-level. We do not have details on it. The government is committed to provide facilities for the Maoists who come to the mainstream of the society. The surrendering by the Maoists will be welcomed,” he said.

The SP met Maoists who had surrendered and they are leading a dignified life and listened to their woes. He also met Mallika who was in the Naxal movement in the past and is leading a normal life after surrendering at Kundoor.