Karnataka, AP join hands to check Naxalites

Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, over the weekend, launched a joint operation in the ravines of Kamanadurga hills near Pavagada in Tumkur district, in a bid to curb increasing Naxal influence in the region, police sources told PTI here.

The strength of the joint force is not known. Karnataka's chief minister N Dharam Singh confirmed to PTI that joint operations had started and said the government would deal with the Naxalites ruthlessly.

A February 11 raid, on a police camp in Pavagada, by the Naxals resulted in the death of seven policemen.