The Hindu : Karnataka / Bangalore News : Ban on CPI (Maoist) will help State police combat naxalites

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Wednesday, Jun 24, 2009
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Karnataka

Karnataka - Bangalore

Ban on CPI (Maoist) will help State police combat naxalites

M.T. Shiva Kumar

Police Department yet to receive word on Centre’s decision

Bangalore: The Union Government’s decision to ban the Communist Party of India (Maoist) and groups associated with it has strengthened the hands of the State police in combating naxalism.

Even though the Police Department has not received any official communication from the Union Government or the State Home Ministry, a few Superintendents of Police in the naxalite-prone districts held an informal round of talks on Monday evening.

They welcomed the Union Government’s decision to impose a ban on the Maoists and all its formations and front organisations.

Six districts

In Karnataka, Shimoga, Udupi, Chikmagalur, Dakshina Kannada, Raichur and Tumkur districts have witnessed naxalite activities, while members of Maoist organisations have often taken shelter in Bellary district.

Some Superintendents of Police, whom The Hindu contacted, said they were waiting for a definite agenda of action from the State Home Ministry.

Around 30 naxalites and 200 naxal sympathisers are operating in the State, according to Gopal B. Hosur, Inspector-General of Police (Western Range). The Western Range, consisting of Udupi, Mangalore and Chikmagalur districts, has been the worst hit by naxalite violence in recent years.

“The implication of the ban for the State is very good. Earlier the police used to struggle to prove charges against naxalites and naxal sympathisers. Now the police can book cases against those who directly support or engage in naxal activities,” he said.

On Monday, the Union Government invoked Section 41 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act against the Communist Party of India (Maoist) and its associated groups. Most of the naxal activists operate under the banners of the CPI (Maoist).

Mr. Hosur said there was no need to enact separate legislation to tackle naxalism in the State. “The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act is a strong law, and stringent action can be initiated against activists of banned extremist organisations,” he said.

Front organisations

According to Mr. Hosur, at least 25 front organisations of the Maoists are operating in the State.

Another Inspector-General of Police, who wished to remain anonymous, said the police were planning to conduct raids across the State on offices and residences of naxals and naxal sympathisers once they got the “green signal from the State Home Ministry”.

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