Ashoka to tour Naxal-hit areas

Ashoka’s decision comes just a day after the West Zonal IGP Alok Mohan saying that Naxals are still active in the Western Ghats region and that there is a clear directive to act upon the same.

Sources in the Home Ministry told Deccan Herald: “The Home Minister will be visiting about 13 anti-Naxal camps spread across the districts of Chikmagalur, Udupi and Shimoga districts and that he had communicated the same with top police officers about a week ago.”

They pointed out that Naxalites in Karnataka, present in Dakshina Kannada, Shimoga, Udupi and Chikmaglur districts, although there is intelligence that the naxals, who are trying to strengthen their presence in South India are planning to extend their operation in more parts of the State.

Ashoka said that the naxalite menace in the State has actually reduced but the effort is to totally eliminate it.

Though the State has not been included Karnataka in the list of Naxal infested areas, it has maintained a strong policy against the naxals, sources said adding that strategies are being worked out to curb their operations further.

Speaking at the inauguration of the Yeshwanthpur  TTMC, Ashoka said: “In the next ten days, I am planning to visit the Naxal-affected areas of Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, Shimoga and Chikmagalur districts to review the situation.”

Sources also said that the minister, after consultations with Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa and top police officials has communicated to the District SPs to increase vigilance.

During his “tour” to these areas, Ashoka will be visiting Deputy Commissioners, Chief Executive Officers of zilla panchayats and Superintendents of Police and their subordinates to solve some of the problems faced by the people in the districts.

The Police stations in these areas, Ashoka said, needed more manpower and facilities and the State will, after reviewing the situation provide for the same.

It is noteworthy that the State has, after a high level committee meeting, including  with senior police officials “sounded a year-long red alert in Karnataka keeping in line with the nationwide warning following the killing of Osama bin Laden.”

Security has been beefed up in the coastal belts, and sensitive naxal-affected areas.