Govt to strengthen Anti-Naxal squad

Mangalore, Aug 19 (UNI) The Karnataka government will further strengthen the state Anti-Naxal Force by appointing 1,117 trained personnel in addition to current 543, Minister for Home and Parliamentary Affairs M P Prakash said today.

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

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

The Minister said the state government had acquired 176 acres of land at Munirabad for setting up IR Battalion to train 1,100 police officers. The force could be utilised in case of emergency in North Karnataka to maintain law and order. The total cost would be shared equally between the Centre and the State.

In Hassan 200 acres 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 ''Personally, the present coalition government and I were not satisfied with the transfer system in the police department. If the present system of transfer is eliminated as early as possible it is good for the State, but under present situation it is impossible.'' Mr Prakash said some of the directions given by the Supreme Court on various issues, including transfer of an official only after two years of posting at one place and promotion, irrespective of the date of retirement had not been agreed upon by several state governments.

''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