'We have succeeded in tackling terror threat'

Chief Minister D.V. Sadananda Gowda on Saturday reiterated the State government's commitment towards improving security in Mangalore and other coastal regions of the State.

Inaugurating the office of Mangalore Police Commissionerate here, Mr. Gowda said the State had been giving more emphasis to the growth of Mangalore, which was developing into a big city. The government was providing all facilities to police to ensure peace and to prevent terrorist and extremist activities.

“Tackling activities of terrorists and naxalites is a challenge. But we have been able to successfully do it,” he said. “We are prepared to prevent infiltration of terrorists through the coast,” he added.

Mr. Gowda said the new office of Mangalore Police Commissionerate had the state-of-art facility that enabled management of traffic between Ullal and Surthkal. . The State government had spent Rs. 5 crore on the building, which had been completed in “a record period of 16 months,” he said.

Mr. Gowda said the State government had set up five coastal security police stations and provided necessary infrastructure to them. The State government had asked the Centre to permit setting up of four more police stations and 31 checkposts along the 320-km coastline. The government had also asked for two helicopters for aerial surveillance of the coastline. “I hope the Centre will respond positively,” he said.

Mr. Gowda said the State government would provide funds in the coming budget for building quarters for policemen.

Home Minister R. Ashok said he had not heard of any problem caused to the Coastal Security Police because of non-availability of experts for operating boats and other equipment. He said personnel for operating the helicopters for the Coastal Security Police would have to be provided by the Centre.

Mr. Ashok said the State government was in favour of Australian technology that enabled the Karnataka State Police Housing Corporation to build houses in 17 days. The pilot project had been successful in Rajajinagar and Adugodi in Bangalore. “Faster construction is necessary to meet the demand of policemen,” he said.

Mr. Ashok, who also holds Transport portfolio, directed the KSRTC's Mangalore Divisional Controller to pursue with the Road Transport Authority and start KSRTC city bus services.

He sought details from the Divisional Controller and Deputy Commissioner N.S. Channappa Gowda, who is also the Chairman of the District Road Transport Authority.

Mr. Gowda said a district magistrate's notification barring issuance of permits from State Bank Circle was preventing grant of KSRTC's request. Mr. Ashok asked the KSRTC Divisional Controller to seek permission to run city bus services from Jyothi Circle or any other prominent junction.