'People of Bhatkal are peace loving, harmonious'
Udupi, Feb 1: (DHNS) Home Minister K J George said terrorism is the problem encountered by the entire nation and is not the problem of only Karnataka.
Briefing reporters, on arrival to the temple town to attend the centenary celebrations of Our Lady Health Church, Shirva, he called upon the people representatives to act responsible, instead of issuing irresponsible remarks over the terror problem.
He said referring to recent statements issued by Udupi-Chikmagalur MP Shobha Karandlaje regarding the communal incidents in Gangolli and possible threat of terror activities in the name of communal clashes. George said government was taking all measures to combat terror problems in Karnataka in coordination with Centre.
He said the police department should be applauded for acting swiftly and arresting the alleged four terrorists from Bhatkal. The inquiry is being held. The communal issues are also successfully dealt with, he asserted.
Emphasising over the contributions of Bhatkal people in the communal harmony and also the development of the coastal area, he opined that it is wrong to say that the entire Bhatkal is a terror hub, owing to the existence of few anti social elements.
The Bhatkal people are peace lovers and they leave harmoniously. They have contributed immensely to the development of the coastal region by working in the gulf countries. The media should realize that the coastal town should not be tagged with terrorism for the mistakes of few.
Party united
Asserting that the Congress Party in the State was united, The Home Minister asserted that the media is creating unnecessary imaginative rift among party members. It is not true that the 12 MLAs are against the Chief Minister.
He blamed that the media should understand the reality. He challenged the media to show the resignations of the MLAs who are against the Chief Minister, only after that he would react.
Retorting to another query over the Arkavati denotification issue, the Home Minster categorically stated that the CM has not denotified not even inch of any land.
All the denotifications have taken place during the BJP tenure. However, he had done remodifications of the denotified land as per the Supreme Court order.
He also ridiculed that the former CM Kumaraswamy always threatens the government saying that he would disclose the scams and scandals wherein the Congress government is involved. However, he is not been able to reveal anything till date.
Elaborating over the Maoist policies adopted by the State government, the Home Minister said that the State government has envisioned two formulas to the combat Maoist problem in State. At present the Maoists in State are all silent and fugitive. The police and anti naxal force are ever geared up to combat any possible Maoists attack and their threat.
He said the surrender package for the Maoists is ensured to bring them to the mainstream of the society. They would be welcomed, if they take up fight as per the Constitutional norms. However going against the law would cost them heavy.
A committee is formed under the leadership of Chief Secretary, wherein the surrender issues of the Maoist would be taken up before embarking upon any decision.