Karnataka Timeline 2011

Date

Incidents

Karnataka Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa was quoted as saying in his speech at the Chief Ministers' conference on Internal Security in New Delhi that it has 'almost eliminated' the CPI-Maoist menace from the State though 'a handful of Maoists' are still active.

Speaking to media persons, IGP, Western Range Alok Mohan said that the Naxal activity did prevail in the western ghat range vicinity in the Udupi District but the problem was under control because of lack of popular support to their activity as well as proactive Police vigilance and action.

The CPI-Maoist has a new leader, Vikram Gowda of Hebri in Karkala Taluk in Udupi District.

Chief Minister DV Sadananda Gowda urged Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to extend Central assistance - similar to the assistance provided to Andhra Pradesh to tackle the Naxal menace.

The Sathyamangalam forests that played host to notorious brigand and sandalwood smuggler Veerappan is being used by the CPI-Maoist.

Karnataka will soon have a permanent force to counter the CPI-Maoist threats to the State.

A Police Constable was killed in an encounter with suspected CPI-Maoist cadres near kalmanja village in Beltangadi tehsil in Dakshina Kannada District.

The ANF in the State is planning to set up 15 camps to keep a tab on the CPI-Maoist affected areas of the State.

Reacting to the killing of State ANF constable, Mahadev Mane in an encounter in Beltangadi, State Home Minister, R. Ashoka said outside elements were involved in the incident.

The surrender and rehabilitation process for the Naxals in Karnataka, which was inaugurated with much fanfare by then Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa a year ago, has hit a road block with the State Government showing little interest in its implementation.

CRPF Director General K Vijay Kumar said that responding to a request Karnataka Government has offered them land near Khanapur in Belgaum to open jungle traits and counter insurgency school.

The Kuremukh National Park Nagarika Samiti (KNPNS) said it is prepared to discharge the role as a mediator between the CPI-Maoist and the Government, if the Maoists are interested to join the mainstream.

ANF headed by DIG Alok Kumar, stepped up combing operations in the Naxal-affected areas in Malnad Districts following the killing of Sadashiva Gowda, a bamboo basket weaver four days ago [December 26], by the CPI-Maoist cadres in a thick forest in Thondalkatte near Naadpalu, about 70 kilometres from Udupi.

State Home Minister revealed, "Naxalism in Karnataka is on the decline as the State government has aggressively and simultaneously pushed for the combing operations in the Naxal-infested areas. Naxals who come back to mainstream society are also offered an attractive rehabilitation package. However, it is feared that Naxals on contract from neighbouring Tamil Nadu and Kerala are entering the State to keep the movement alive."