Police maintain high vigil at stations on hills

Naxal Special Division conducting combing operations in forest areas bordering Karnataka

The Naxal Special Division of the district police has teamed up with Special Task Force for the conduct of combing operations in the forest areas on the Hasanur, Kadambur and Bargur hills bordering Karnataka, in the wake of Maoist threat perception.

The special division consisting of ten personnel headed by a Sub-Inspector has been provided with a vehicle to carry out the combing operation.

Camps

While on the one hand the STF has been conducting medical camps in rural parts involving philanthropic section of medical community to win the trust of the locals, and ensure that they are not weaned into extremist activities, the police machinery is also geared up to respond promptly. Six stations: Thalavadi, Hassanur, Bargur and Kadambur on the hills, and Vellithirupur and Bhavani Sagar in the adjoining plains have been equipped with the necessary manpower, machinery and other facilities to thwart any possible Maoist attack, said Superintendent of Police M.R. Sibi Chakravarthi.

Alongside fortifying the stations with barricades and sand bags, five Armed Reserve personnel have been posted in each station in addition to the full complement of strength. Round-the-clock vigil is maintained at the stations. CCTVs have also been installed for sharp surveillance, and floodlights have also been put in place.

Personnel in these stations were armed with automatic weapons, the SP said.