JOIN USHome Minister K J George has said that Garuda anti-terrorism squad is being trained to tackle terrorism activities in the State.
Addressing a press meet after laying foundation for police quarters and inaugurating police canteen at Chikmagalur on Tuesday, he said that one person from each district has been sent to Garuda wing for training. Garuda wing of the Internal Security Division (ISD) is getting trained under the guidance of Major General Muthanna. Those who received the training will return back to the district and will train a squad in each district in containing terrorist activities. Central Industrial Security Force personnel will also be trained in latest technology.
The Minister said that the police department will be upgraded and an action plan is being prepared for the same. It has been decided to supply sophisticated weapons to the police department. The weapons will be imported at a cost of Rs five crore.
Owing to shortage of police personnel and sub inspectors, the police personnel are not getting weekly leave that are due to them. The process of appointing 8,500 personnel is on. The government has given permission for appointing 760 sub inspectors, he added.
'Talks with Maoists'
“We have concern towards Maoists. Hence, the government has decided to hold talks with them within the framework of the law. Maoists should come to the mainstream of the society. A few NGOs are holding talks with the State government to bring the Maoists to the main stream of the society. We do not believe in dictatorship. The government is ready to protect those who follow the laws of the land. We will initiate stringent action against those who take laws into their hands,” he added.
“I do not like to declare any region as Maoist infested area. The officials should ensure that poor get all the facilities from the government. I will raise my voice to protect the interest of farmers when row over Inam land will be discussed in the Cabinet meeting,” he added.
The Minister said that the police department should be people-friendly. The police personnel should work with the public. “The police personnel are working under pressure. The government should boost the police. The department has been identifying the honest officials.”
He said that safety of women is utmost concern for the government. Any complaint on harassment should be registered and inquiry should be conducted. Tender has been invited for constructing 11,500 quarters for police personnel. About 107 quarters will be constructed in Chikmagalur. One thousands home guards will be appointed in the State and the honorarium paid for the home guards will be increased, he added.
MLA C T Ravi said that the government should withdraw case against Naveen Naik, ANF personnel, who shot at a cattle trader, at Thanikodu. There is a need to set up a sub station at Kalasapur and Devanoor.
MLA B B Ningaiah said that though Maoist menace is under control, it has not been tackled fully. The Maoists have been fighting for the cause of people.
MLC Motamma, MLA Srinivas, MLC Gayatru Shanthe Gowda, IGP (Western Range) Amruth Paul, DC B S Shekarappa, and SP R Chethan among others were present.