Udupi: K J George launches CCTV project; ATS to take up anti-Naxal operation

Pics: Umesh Marpalli
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (SM)

Udupi, Jun 18: "A special package for naxals will be introduced soon to encourage them to surrender by themselves to the government, and the Anti-Naxal Force (ANF) will also stop existing and the Anti-Terrorrism Squad (ATS) or Anti-Terror Special Squad will take up anti-Naxal operations," said home minister K J George.

He was addressing media persons during his first visit to the city after becoming a part of the Siddaramaiah cabinet, at the SP office here on Tuesday June 18.

"The issue of terrorism in the state and development of backward clases and tribes are our priorities. This also includes development works and provision of special concession for tribals to join police force.

"A total 30 Naxals are there in our state, out of which 5 have surrendered and availed all facilities extended to them. Under the 'Naxal surrender order' Rs 15,000 was being given for surrendering an AK 47, now the amount has been increased to Rs 30,000, and also, the reward for surrendering oneself has been increased to Rs 5 lac from Rs 2 lac," he said.

"There is a shortage of 19,000 policemen and 30,000 quarters in the state. Around 3,000-4,000 houses will be given every year and self-financing system will also be arranged," he added.

"Three years back the Naxal-affected areas were just three, but now the number has increased to seven. Strict measures are followed in such areas."

During his visit to the dictrict, K J George inaugurated a CCTV project in the presence of DGP Lalrokhuma Pachau, district incharge minister Vinay Kumar Sorake, home secretary V Umesh and ADGP Alok Mohan.

The 16 CCTVs, placed at vantage points at Manipal, Udupi city and Malpe, were inaugurated at the traffic management control room in the SP's office. The cameras have the capacity to capture high quality images and also the numbers of vehicles.

The home minister visited the IB, Congress office, Mother of Sorrows Church, Jamia mosque and Sri Krishna Math, Asha Nilaya, and the women's police station in the district.

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