Naxal

Karkala: The Naxal movement which was reported from the Western Ghats region following the announcement of general elections has gradually reduced in recent days.

Soon after the election dates were announced, the movement of Naxals was spotted in the western ghats region of Dakshina Kannada, Kodagu, and neighbouring Kerala sparking concern among civilians as well as authorities. Resultantly, the Anti-Naxal Force (ANF) had intensified combing operations in the region.

Initially, a group of suspected Naxalites had visited a shop near the rubber plantation at Koojimale in the Kadumakallu Estate, Madikeri taluk to purchase food supplies. As news of the suspected Naxal visit spread, ANF began search operations in the region.

Within a week of their visit to Koojimale, the Naxal group visited a farmer’s house in a village near Subrahmanya for their supplies. Later on April 4, Naxalites visited the house of a forest staffer at Cheru in Kadaba taluk and stayed there for a day before moving on. This was the last visit of Naxals in this area and after that, their movement has not been seen.

Notably, Naxalites were inactive in the Karnataka region for nearly four years and suddenly resurfaced during the election period. This is a cause of concern for the Election Commission who have to take measures for peaceful voting. Thus, the ANF ​​has intensified its search operations in Naxal-affected villages to ensure that no untoward incident takes place during the election. All the Naxal-affected polling booths will be given central paramilitary force protection on the day of polling.

Infiltration to K’taka for safety?

With the governments of Kerala, Jharkhand, and Chhattisgarh intensifying their operation against the Naxalites, it is suspected that Naxals might have infiltrated the Western Ghats of Karnataka to take refuge.

Villagers living in the foothills of the Western Ghats are worried about a possible Naxal visit to their house as well as the fear of ANF inquiry. The normal life of villagers had been affected due to this and they can now heave a sigh of relief as the Naxal movement remains absent.

Naxals in Hiding?

Due to the intensified ANF operations, there is a possibility that the Naxalites might have moved to safer terrains or have gone into hiding so their presence goes undetected. Moreover, both the police and ANF do not have any clear information regarding the direction of the Naxals. It is possible that they moved further into the Ghat regions or to Kerala.

“We have made all arrangements to prevent any untoward incident from Naxals during the election. ANF will be deployed around the naxal-affected polling stations in the foothills of the Western Ghats. Continuous surveillance and search operations are underway and voters could come to the polling booth and vote without fear,” said Jitendra Kumar Dayama, Superintendent of Police, ANF.