Karnataka govt withdraws controversial list of naxals

Bangalore, July 2 (UNI) Karnataka Home Minister M Prakash today said the government has withdrawn the list of armed naxalites and their supporters following opposition from a section of society.

Talking to newspersons here he said the government would revise the list of 33 persons released by police officials recently.

''The list was prepared in 2003 and the government will revise it with new criteria, depending on the activities, writings and speeches made by individuals,'' he said, adding that the cases would be registered against those as and when they indulge in such activities in future.

Mr Prakash said setting afire a KSRTC bus in Agumbe yesterday by naxalites was condemnable and does not augur well for a healthy society.

Police officials were investigating into the incident and strict action would be taken against those indulging in violent incidents, he added.

He said the government also intended to bring amendments to the Excise Act in the coming session to implement the arrack ban strictly. Amendments would also be brought to Lok Ayukta Act with regard to the extension of suo motu power.

The government needed extra police staff of 4859 for implementation of arrack ban and the recruitment in this regard would begin in the next six months, he added.

The Home Minister said the government would view the deaths due to illicit brewing and deal strictly with those who were involved in it.

He said the government had proposed to introduce several allowances for the police officials, including risk allowances, overtime, providing housing facilities and weekly offs for police constables.

UNI