The Hindu Business Line : Karnataka move to tackle Naxal threat

A high-level meeting convened by the Karnataka Chief Minister, Mr N. Dharam Singh, has decided to invoke the Unlawful Activities Prevention (Amendment) Act 2004 in the Naxal-affected districts of the State.

The Chief Minister reviewed the Naxalite menace in Chikmagalur, Udupi, Dakshina Kannada and Shimoga districts at the meeting here on Tuesday.

Addressing newspersons, Mr Singh said that superintendents of police are empowered to invoke this law to control the Naxalite problem in their districts.

The Naxal-affected districts will also be provided with bomb detection and disposal squads. Stating that land mine detectors will be provided to the Anti-Naxalite Force (ANF), he said ANF will be strengthened with more personnel and equipment.

Mr Singh said that the State is also thinking to have its own Act to control the problem. Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu have come out with such Acts.

Surrender package

The district authorities have been asked to publicise the `surrender package' for Naxalites. Under this package, cases against those who want to join the mainstream society will be withdrawn. The Government will also take steps to solve the problems of those who have surrendered. It is ready for talks with Naxalites if they give up arms, Mr Singh said.

The authorities have been asked to visit the Naxal-affected villages to solve the problems on the spot. The villagers of these areas should be taken into confidence while tackling the Naxalite problem. Mr Singh said that he has directed the Forest officials not to harass people living near the forest areas.

The Dakshina Kannada district in-charge Minister, Mr Jabbar Khan Honnali, the Director General of Police, Mr B.S. Sial, and officials from the Forest Department attended the meeting.

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Karnataka move to tackle Naxal threat