Infrastructure of Police Dept. to be strengthened

Training centre likely to come up in north Andhra region

Law and order situation figured prominently at a review meet addressed by A.S. Khan, DIG, in Srikakulam recently.— PHOTO: BASHEER

The Andhra Pradesh Police Department is keen on strengthening its infrastructure in Srikakulam district by making it major hub for training and stationing of heavy armed forces as it is being considered as the strategic area, thanks to its long border with Odisha where Maoists have significant presence.

Union Home Minister Rajanth Singh, who reviewed the law and order situation in AP recently during his visit to Visakhapatnam, assured additional funds for the improvement of infrastructure and training facilities.

Andhra Pradesh DGP J.V. Ramudu and Srikakulam SP A.S. Khan and other senior officials reportedly explained the steps being taken to control the Maoist activity in the border area.

According to sources, the Andhra Pradesh Special Police (APSP) battalion would come up very soon in the district as the department could find suitable land near Ponduru of the district. An exclusive camp will also be developed for stationing of armed forces.

A training centre like Andhra Pradesh Police Academy is also being planned in north Andhra region. The department observed that more security is needed for the region as major industries are likely to come up on the Visakhapatnam-Srikakulam route. More industrial unrest is anticipated. Stationing of forces at right place would help the department move them quickly in case of emergency.

Extra forces

According to sources, around 1,500 APSP constables and police officials can move quickly on all routes if battalion is ready in the district. “Stationing of extra forces is need of the hour to curb Maoist activities along the A.P.-Odisha border,” said a senior officer. The Union government has also identified importance of Srikakulam district to curb the Maoist activity which was relatively less in the last one decade.

However, the government did not want to take chances and decided to sanction all the facilities to the AP government. The officials informed the Union government that the Maoist activity was there in Tuvva Hills area. The hills are located in the stretch between Battili and Kottur which are in the limits of Srikakulam district.

Additional forces have been reportedly deployed at sensitive and strategic locations to stop the intrusion of Maoists. The police stations in places like Battili, Kotturu, Sithampet, Bhamini and other places have been strengthened with additional forces to take on Maoists in future.