Govt to add 1117 trained personnal to Anti-Naxal squad

Mangalore, Aug 19 (UNI) The Karnataka government will further strengthen the state Anti-Naxal Force by appointing 1117 trained personal in addition to 543 at present, Minister for Home and Parliamentary Affairs M P Prakash said today.

Talking to newsmen here he said that a proposal to this effect had been sent to the Finance Ministry for approval.

Ruling out possibility of appointing more DIG rank officers, Mr Prakash said that henceforth the IGPs of respective range would be entrusted with the powers to control the Anti-Naxal Force.

The Minister said that the State government has acquired 176 acres of land at Munirabad for setting up IR Battalion to train 1100 police officers. The force can be utilised in case of emergency in North Karnataka to maintain law and order. The Centre and State would share equally the total cost.

He said in Hassan 200 acres of land had been acquired for setting up a KSRP battalion to meet the requirements of Malnad Areas.

Replying to a question, Mr Prakash, in a disappointed note, said that " personally I myself and the present Coalition government not satisfied with the transfer system in the police department. If the present system of transfer was eliminated as early as possible it is good for the State, but in the present condition it was impossible for elimination" He said that some of the directions given by the Supreme Court on various issues, including transfer of an official only after two years of posting in one place and promotion, irrespective of date of retirement have not been agreed by several state government.

"The Karnataka Government has filed an affidavit before the Supreme Court on bringing reforms to the Act as directed by the Court. However, it may not be possible due to time constraint", he added.

UNI