K'taka declares 13 GPs in Chickmagalur as naxal-infested

Bangalore, Aug 16 (UNI) The Karnataka Government has declared 13 gram panchayats in Chickmagalur district as naxal-infested and released a special grant of Rs 4.80 crore for taking up developmental works in the areas.

Official sources told UNI that the Government had already spent Rs three crore in the 13 gram panchayats, identified in Sringeri, Koppa and Mudigere taluks, for taking up developmental works like improvement of roads, drinking water facilities, health and education. The move aimed at countering the Maoist outfit's anti-Government propaganda and focusing on the overall development of the identified villages, the sources added.

The extreme Left organisation was targetting Chickmagalur district, where large number of tribals living in forest areas were facing the threat of displacement following notification of the Kudremukh National Park.

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