According to Jitendra Kumar Dayam, the superintendent of police (SP) at the Anti-Naxal Force (ANF), an intelligence report suggesting Maoist movement in Udupi’s Kollur, Mudur, Jadkar, and Belkal villages prompted police to step up combing operations in the state.
“It would take some time to confirm the presence of Naxals, even though I cannot do so right now. But we’re constantly starting combing operations,” Dayam continued.
The intelligence report states that for the previous two months, people armed with weapons and dressed in green military uniform have been spotted in the area.
As a result, the authorities notified Udupi and Chikkamagaluru of the declaration of an alert for the following five days. Government orders have resulted in Anti-Naxal Force being placed on high alert.
The leader of the Maoist group that was recently sighted is thought to be Vikram Gowda, a native of Hebri, Udupi. He was reported to be based in Kerala almost two decades ago.
Three armed members of his team appear to have arrived in Byndur and may have made some house visits, according to intelligence.
“We have received information from local villagers and not from our regular sources. We have initiated an investigation and are in the process of collecting information,” stated Dayam.
Police suspect that maoists may have crossed over from neighbouring Kerala, prompting heightened vigilance along the border areas. Authorities have issued directives urging residents to notify the police of any unfamiliar individuals entering the region.
Maoist leader Saket Rajan was killed on February 5, 2005, in a nighttime police encounter at Menasina Hadya in Kalasa. The maoists were reportedly getting ready to celebrate Rajan’s passing on Red Salute Day, according to intelligence reports.
In remembrance of Rajan, Maoists celebrate Naxal Martyr’s Day on February 5 of each year.
The government created ANF in 2005 in response to the escalating threat.
There have previously been talks about possibly reducing ANF operations in regions thought to be less likely to see Maoist activity.
Read More
Six Year Old Girl Dies in an Accident at Surathkal
