564 cops dead in Naxal attack since 1969 in AP

Hyderabad, Oct 20 (UNI) Andhra Pradesh Director General of Police (DGP) M A Basith today said 564 police personnel had laid down their lives in Naxal violence in the State since 1969.

Addressing the press here, Mr Basith said nine police officials were killed in the Naxal attack during this year as against last year's 26. Around 2,500 Naxals were killed in the State in police encounters in the last 39 years, he added.

Stating that State Home Minister K Jana Reddy would attend the 'Police Commemoration parade' and wreaths would be laid at the Martyr's Memorial tomorrow, the DGP said that out of the 2,549 murder cases reported last year, 1,684 cases were registered in the last eight months.

The State Government had sanctioned the police department to fill the 37,730 vacancies in the State within three years. Requirement of women police officials would also be considered, he added.

The Police department was proposing to induct 'Psychological test' during recruitment, on the lines of defence personnel recruitment, to meet the growing requirements and tackle the present law and order situation.

Open House Sessions, blood donation camps and children programmes were organised on the occasion of the week-long 'Police Commemoration Day' celebrations, being organised from October 15 to 21, at all district headquarters.

UNI