State to embark on awareness programme against CPI(Maoists)

Bangalore, July 17 (UNI) Karnataka Home Minister M P Prakash today announced that government will not uproot the habitants who live within the notified area under Kudremukh National Park in the naxal affected Chickmagalur District.

Briefing newspersons after holding a high-level meeting of the ministers, legislators and officials from naxal affected Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, Chickmagalur, Shimoga and Hassan districts, Mr Prakash said that to end the Naxal menace in Karnataka it was decided to launch an awareness campaign against such groups.

He said that the legislators who had participated in the meeting had briefed about the prevailing situation which had turned serious following the spurt of extremist activities in Shimoga, Chickmagalur and Udupi districts. He said that the legislators had appealed the government to take suitable steps to strengthen the police force including the Anti Naxal Force (ANF) stationed in Maoists strong areas.

The legislators also suggested to issue identity cards to the original inhabitants in the notified National Park area in Chickmagalur district besides taking measures to boost the confidence of the people lifting in the naxal affected areas.

Mr Prakash said that while government would not disturb those who wanted to remain inside the National park, which was facilitated by the recent amended Forest Act by the Center, the government would also consider to rehabilitate suitably who desires to come out from the forests.

While maintaining that government was ready to hold talks with Maoists if they shun violence and put no conditions Mr Prakash said that at present no such proposals was before the government.

Mr Prakash also informed that a committee of the high-level officials formed to monitor the implementation of developmental programmes in naxal affected region to meet regularly and review the performance.

Replying to question he said that security to legislators who have received threats from Maoists will be enhanced. The state government will face the Bandh call given by extremists on Thursday in Sringeri in Chickmagalur district in protest against recent killing of four people he said.

UNI