Day Care Centre' for physically challenged inaugurated

June 19, 2011

Mangalore, June 19: With the inauguration of a 'Day Care Centre' for physically challenged persons in Kokkada village of Belthangady taluk, one of the promises of Chief Minister BS Yeddyurappa to the endosulfan victims of the region, fulfilled on Sunday.

Energy Minister Shobha Karandlaje inaugurated the Centre, which came into existence with the joint effort of Karnataka State Government, Dakshina Kannada district administration and Shri Kshetra Dharmastala Rural Development programme.

Speaking on the occasion she said that the main intention of the Centre is to create an atmosphere to take care of those physically challenged people, who cannot be left alone at home, while going out for day to day affairs or to participate in a special programme. The Centre assures thorough care of the physically challenged victims from morning to evening, she said.

She also clarified that the Centre is not confined to the victims of endosulfan, and that all the physically challenged people of the area can take benefit of the facility.

Admitting that a permanent rehabilitation centre in the vicinity for the people, who are suffering the ill-effects of indiscriminate aerial spraying of endosulfan by Karnataka Cashew Development Corporation on cashew plantations in the late 1980s, is very much necessary, the minister said that a Rs 20 lakh project is in pipeline in this regard. 10 cents of land has already been purchased for this purpose, she added.

District In-charge Minister Krishna J Palemar and Deputy Commissioner Dr Chennappa Gowda were present among others.

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News Network
November 19,2024

vikramgowda.jpg

The Karnataka Police’s Anti-Naxal Force (ANF) achieved a major breakthrough on Monday night by eliminating Vikram Gowda, one of Karnataka’s most wanted Naxal leaders for over two decades. The encounter occurred in the dense Kabbinale forest of Udupi district, marking a significant victory against Naxal insurgency in the region.

Who Was Vikram Gowda?

Hailing from Hebri in Udupi, Vikram Gowda, 44, was a prominent figure in the Naxal movement. He went underground in 2002, initially serving as a courier and fund collector before rising to lead a breakaway Naxal group. Despite having only a fourth-grade education, he was a staunch advocate for tribal rights and a key player in the movement’s survival in Karnataka.

Bounty: ₹3 lakh from Karnataka and ₹50,000 from Kerala.

Legacy: The last major Naxal leader in Karnataka after the 2021 arrest of B G Krishnamurthy.

The Encounter

Police revealed that Gowda and his team visited Kabbinale village to collect groceries on Monday night. Acting on a tip-off, ANF ambushed the group. When the Naxals opened fire, ANF responded, leading to Gowda's death.

Escapees: Three Naxals fled, including prominent members Latha (aka Mundgaru Latha) and Raju.

Significance: This was the first Naxal casualty in Karnataka in over two decades.

Home Minister G. Parameshwara confirmed the operation, stating, “Gowda was elusive for 20 years, escaping multiple encounters. His death is a critical step in dismantling Naxal operations in the region.”

The Decline of Naxal Activity in Karnataka

Karnataka's Naxal movement has been dwindling, with members seeking refuge in Kerala and Tamil Nadu. The group’s strength had reduced to just 19 members by 2018, but recent sightings indicate attempts at revival:

2023 Activity: Reports of Gowda-led movements in the Kodagu and Hassan districts reignited concerns.

Political Heat: The BJP criticised the Congress government, alleging it created a “safe haven” for Naxals.

A Glimpse into Gowda’s Past

Personal Life: Gowda’s ex-wife, Savitri (alias Rajita), was arrested in 2021. She was a senior Naxal commander involved in insurgency since 2004.
Rehabilitation Efforts: Since 2013, Karnataka’s rehabilitation policy has seen 14 Naxals surrender and reintegrate into mainstream society.

A Milestone in Karnataka’s Fight Against Insurgency

The operation signifies a decisive blow to Naxal resurgence in the Western Ghats. While the ANF continues its search for escapees, the Karnataka government reaffirmed its commitment to offering rehabilitation to those willing to surrender.

As Karnataka celebrates this triumph, the message is clear: there is no room for insurgency in the state.

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