Security has been increased in naxalite-affected areas in Udupi district after a banner and six pamphlets with messages by suspected Maoists were found at Mala village in Karkala Rural police station limits on Saturday. According to the district police, the banner was hung up at a desolate place around 2 km from the S.K. Border (towards Karkala). The police, who were on their beat between 6.30 a.m. and 7 a.m., also found the pamphlets there. M.B. Boralingaiah, Superintendent of Police, said the banner could have been put up by either naxalites or naxalite sympathisers. There had been no movement or sightings of naxalites in the area in the last six months, he said.
“We have increased security in the area. All polling booths in the area have been provided necessary security. Armed personnel of either paramilitary forces or Karnataka State Reserve Police will be deployed at the booths. Voters need not have any worries about security,” he said.
The district police had started deploying paramilitary forces in naxalite-affected areas and, along with the Anti-Naxal Force, had begun combing operations, Mr. Boralingaiah said.
Published - April 13, 2014 12:08 pm IST
