Don't brand our villages naxal-affected, plead residents

[email protected] (CD Network)
August 3, 2011

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Udupi, August 3: The failure of district administration in reaching out to the naxal prone areas and people in remote areas was evident in the 'Janasamparka Sabhe' (public contact programme) jointly organised by District Police Department, District Administration and Forest Department here at Sri Kodamanitthaya Temple Auditorium on Andaru-Ajekaru road on Tuesday.

The programme threw light on various problems encountered by the public in the area. Despite the repeated assurances by the government to provide necessary basic infrastructural amenities to the public under various naxal packages, there seems to be some unidentified distractions to pass on the facilities to the beneficiaries.

The members of the public gathered in the programme had one or the other reason to express their unhappiness towards the incompetence of government in providing them with surety of livelihood. Incomplete development projects, unemployment, poverty, title deeds, illiteracy, ill health, inadequate medical and educational facilities, bad roads and many more topped the list of the nightmares involved in the lives of people of naxal affected areas.

Residents of Nellikatte, Nadpalu in Karkala taluk urged the government not to tag their villages 'naxal-affected' areas instead provide them with basic infrastructure.

Venkatesh Shetty of Nadpalu village said it is a hell for the people of Nadpalu village. The area is a hub of problems. The government representatives and officials offer pledges that are restricted only to the paper and are far from reality. Irregular educational facilities with the absence of teachers in schools, lack of medical facilities, absence of power supply and telephone connections have remained the same over the years.

Existing roads are in deplorable conditions, there are no connective roads and bridges for small rivulets. Children find it difficult to cross the rivulets to attend schools, he said.

He also expressed fear that whether Nadpalu area is tagged under World Heritage Site status by UNESCO. This will hinder the development process in the area, he added.

Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Commissioner Dr M T Reju said it is not possible for the government to handle all the necessary development measures without public cooperation. He said public should not wait for the approval from the government if the work can be done by them. The government is by the people and people should come forward to be part of governing process, he added.

He assured to set right the loopholes of administrative mechanism in performing the duties of offering safe livelihood for public in the area. Measures will be taken to repair the existing roads and construct the roads and bridges wherever necessary in the areas of Megadde, Shirlalu, Nadpalu, Nelikatte and Kudlu following the demands by the villagers of the respective areas.

The works will be taken under Calamity Relief Fund, he added. Reju also assured to send a proposal to the government for 108 Ambulance under certain relaxations for Hebri region. He said arrangements will be done to give away the title deeds to the received applications by the people belonging to ST communities residing in the forest land, he added.

SP Dr Y S Ravi Kumar said the programme is held under the integrated approach of all the departments.

Attempts are made to bring the people of naxal prone areas to the mainstream of society. Especially measures are taken to rehabilitate those who have turned away from naxalism and are trying to lead normal life in the society.

The work is taken up by the intelligence of police department. Special naxal package and naxal surrender packages are offered to them. “We are trying to rehabilitate youth who have education with suitable employment packages. Anti Naxal Force is active in the area and regular combing operations are held. Police stations in the naxal affected areas will be strengthened with additional force within one month,” he added.

IGP (Western Range) Alok Mohan said police department is deeply involved with the development and security of people in the naxal inflicted areas. Measures will be taken accordingly, he said.


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News Network
November 26,2024

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Former minister and ex-MLC C M Ibrahim claimed that he still heads the original JD(S) and asked former prime minister and party supremo H D Deve Gowda to cut ties with the BJP, so that the party can be strengthened again. He also said options are being explored to either strengthen the JD(S) or to float a new regional party.

He was speaking to media persons, in Mysuru, on Monday, after meeting JD(S) MLA and former minister G T Deve Gowda, who has expressed his displeasure that he has been sidelined in the party and the party leaders have indicated his retirement from politics.

He stated, “If Deve Gowda had joined the Congress, during the last Assembly election, he would have been a minister now. We retained him in the JD(S), to strengthen the party. Now, efforts are being made to strangulate Deve Gowda’s political career. I have discussed all matters with Deve Gowda. In two days, I will start a Karnataka state tour and meet some leaders. After that, I will meet Deve Gowda again, and then decide on the further course of action.”

Ibrahim said, “The original JD(S) is ours. I am still its state president. All documents and accounts are in our name. Even now, if Deve Gowda leaves BJP’s company and returns, we will build the JD(S) again”.

“Union Minister H D Kumaraswamy should mend his ways and stop making JD(S) into a family-owned company. The JD(S)’s situation has become hopeless. Its love for the BJP is over. He should understand this,” he said.

“When I was with Kumaraswamy, he spent just Rs 4 crore in Channapatna and won by 20,000 votes. Now, without me, he spent Rs 150 crore and still lost by 25,000 votes. Without Muslims’ support, the JD(S) cannot win a single seat. Now, it is proved that 19 MLAs of the JD(S) won in 2023, because of Muslims,” he added.

Speaking on other options available, Ibrahim said, “We have not yet decided to go with the Congress. We are only considering to establish a third front. Whether it is founding a new regional party, forming a third front, or strengthening the JD(S), will be decided shortly.”

Earlier during the day, before meeting Deve Gowda, Ibrahim had said, that 12 to 13 JD(S) MLAs were dissatisfied with the party, but like Deve Gowda, were enduring pain.

“Now, I have started the task of uniting them. I as the JD(S) state president, it is my responsibility to address our MLAs’ grievances. At present, the JD(S) is on fire and all JD(S) MLAs want to protect their respective constituency. Hence, they have started speaking one by one,” he said.

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News Network
November 15,2024

Udupi: The Tourism Department is planning a major eco-friendly development initiative for Kamini Island, located near the Blue Flag-certified Padubidri End Point beach, aiming to attract more visitors while maintaining environmental sustainability.

Assistant Director Kumar CU emphasized that, given the island’s proximity to the Blue Flag beach, all development efforts will center around eco-friendly practices. “We are looking to enhance the Kamini River and the island’s surroundings by adding a hanging bridge, nature trails, and eco-friendly food courts offering traditional cuisine. Visitors will also be able to reach the island by pedal boats or kayaking,” he said.

The development project is estimated to cost between Rs 3 crore and Rs 4 crore. Meanwhile, the Blue Flag beach, Padubidri, continues to see a steady flow of visitors. Vijay Shetty, manager of the beach, shared that tenders for food courts and water sports have been awarded to private parties. Recently, three new coracles have been introduced, which are proving to be a hit with visitors. Additionally, three more shelters are expected to be ready by November 20.

Shetty mentioned that the beach can now accommodate between 2,500 and 3,000 visitors daily, although footfall remains lower than other district beaches due to user fees and activity restrictions. “Initially, most visitors were from Mangaluru, but now nearly 40% come from other districts, showing a shift in the visitor demographics,” Shetty noted.

To further boost tourism and promote a healthy lifestyle, a Beach Carnival is set to take place on November 23-24, featuring the National Sea Swimming Championship and a sea marathon in collaboration with the Padubidri JCI, which is celebrating its golden jubilee. Cultural events will be held at the main beach, with some sports events taking place at the Blue Flag beach. Emphasis will be placed on making all activities environmentally friendly.

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News Network
November 14,2024

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Bengaluru: The Prime Minister Narendra Modi led union government has requested the Karnataka High Court to direct the Mandya district administration and the state government to clear a madrasa operating within the premises of the historic Jama Masjid in Srirangapatna.

The Waqf Board, opposing this move, has claimed the mosque as its property and defended the right to conduct madrasa activities there.

The matter was brought before a division bench headed by Chief Justice N V Anjaria following a public interest litigation filed by a person named Abhishek Gowda from Kabbalu village in Kanakapura taluk. The petition alleged “unauthorised madrasa activities” within the mosque.

Representing the Central government, Additional Solicitor General of India for High Court of Karnataka, K Arvind Kamath argued that the Jama Masjid was designated as a protected monument in 1951, yet unauthorised madrasa operations continue there.

He noted that concerns over potential law and order issues have so far prevented any intervention. Kamath urged the court to direct the Mandya district administration to take action and vacate the madrasa from the mosque.

In defence, lawyers for the state government and the Waqf Board contested this request, stating that the Waqf Board had been recognised as the owner of the property since 1963 and, thus, conducting madrasa activities there is lawful.

After hearing both sides, the bench adjourned the case for further arguments, scheduling the next hearing for November 20.

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