Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (SP)

Mangalore, Jul 9: “The central government, in association with the state governments, has been taking necessary measures to crush naxalism. The union government is also considering a proposal to formulate naxal package to develop the regions where naxal activities are rampant,” disclosed union minister of state for home, Mullappally Ramachandran. He was speaking to reporters at the Circuit House here on his visit to the city on his way to Kollur to pay obeisance to Goddess Mookambika.

“The naxals had given a call for countrywide bandh for 48 hours from Wednesday. Necessary security measures have been put in place. The government is firm in its view that the naxals are wrong in indulging in violence. The union government has been taking measures to stop all kinds of violence in the country. Towards this end, the home minister recently visited Srinagar, and the army has been kept in readiness there to tackle any eventuality,” he explained.

The minister asserted that the union government has been laying added stress towards crushing terrorism. The central government has asked the Kerala police to take immediate action in connection with the incident in which the palm of a lecturer was severed, he added.

The minister was welcomed by the district Youth Congress president, Arun Coelho, former MLA, Vijayakumar Shetty, Kasargod district Congress general secretary, Subbaiah Rai and others.

Ramachandran later visited Goddes Mookambika Temple in Kollur and performed puja there. The minister, who was accompanied by his family, was extended a warm welcome by temple executive officer, H M Kale, superintendent, Krishnamurty, priest, Ramakrishna Adiga, and others.