Naxal activities in Karnataka are not related to socio-economic issues, but is a pure law and order problem, according to state home minister V S Acharya.
Addressing reporters here on Monday, he said, “The Western Ghats districts like Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, Chikmagalur and Shimoga have high per capita incomes and certain vested interests are behind the growth of Naxal movement in the state.”
“At present, the Naxal activities are limited to the Western Ghats districts. In this region, the literacy level is high and labour wages are around Rs 150 per day. But, it is a utter law and order issue and not a socio-economic problem plaguing the area,” he added.
Naxal activities began in the state only during 2000 in districts like Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, Chikmagalur, Shimoga, Raichur and parts of Tumkur. Naxal activities in the state are due to lack of infrastructure in villages surrounding the Western Ghats districts.
“The state government is aware of the issue and is planning to seek funds from the Centre to provide the basic infrastructure required in about 13 villages which have nil public amenities,” said Acharya.
Naxal situation in Karnataka is not as acute as it is in Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh.
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To tackle the menace, the state cabinet recently approved setting up of the ‘Anti-left wing terror squad’ to take on the naxals.
“When this terror squad is formed, we will be competent enough to curb their activities in the state. This squad will include the existing Anti-Naxal Force, which is carrying out its operation in the Western Ghats region,” said Acharya.
“To check the naxal menace, at present six platoons of Anti-Naxal Force have been deployed in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi, three in Chikmagalur and one in Shimoga. These operations will continue. The government is ready for talks, provided the naxals laid down their arms and come forward for it,” he added.
Acharya said, “On Sunday, a farmer in Halli Holla village in Kundapura, Udupi district was killed by Naxals. This is the second instance of a farmer being killed in the region. The Naxals are targeting progressive farmers and they are doing this only to gain publicity in the area.”