Daijiworld Media Network - Bangalore (SP)

Bangalore, May 13: Home minister Dr V S Acharya sought to justify the action of the policemen in taking into possession a few tribal leaders from the Malnad region for interrogating them to probe their naxal connection. "We are taking these steps, basing on definite information. The department does not propose to harass any one unnecessarily," he added, addressing a press conference here on Tuesday May 12.

The policemen have developed a close liaison with the local people in these areas and based on reliable information collected from residents, people were taken into possession for inquiry. Those who extend direct or indirect support to the naxal activities will continue to be subjected to questioning, he clarified.

The government is committed to end the naxal menace and provide a peaceful environment. Towards this end, developmental activities in the Malnad region have been given a fillip. The district deputy commissioners, superintendents of police and zilla panchayat chief executive officers have been instructed to work in unison to mitigate the problems the people living in these places are facing, Acharya explained.

"The government wants a detailed discussion to take place on the proposed amendments to be brought to the Karnataka Control of Organized Crimes Act (KCOCA) in the legislature. We are prepared for an exhaustive discussion. If the legislature session is convened by June end, the bill will be tabled in the legislature for discussion. If the session is delayed, the same will be brought into force through an ordinance," he said.

KCOCA had been adopted when S M Krishna was the Chief Minister, but it had not been implemented. As terrorism activities have seen a rise of late, the government has realized the need to implement the act with some amendments, he stated.