Daijiworld News Network - Mangalore (AF) - pics - Ganesh S Perla

Mangalore, Dec 4: Former Union minister and National Democratic Alliance (NDA) convener George Fernandes was in the city as a part of his tour to the district here on Sunday December 3.

During the visit he inaugurated the new office of Jayashreekrishna Parisara Premi Samiti at Light House Hill here. Speaking on the occasion, he cited the closure of Kudremukh Iron Ore Company Limited (KIOCL) as the reason for increase of Naxalism in the region. He said that this has led not just the unemployed but also the tribals to join Naxal activities.

He further clarified that during the NDA rule, the government had wanted the mining to be continued for several years but the state government failed to coax the Supreme Court to let the company continue, resulting in the closure of KIOCL.

Among those present were Samiti president Vishwanath Mada, memebres Dr B M Hegde, Dharmapala Devadiga and Ramachandra Baikampady.