Coastal security still a concern: GK Pillai

February 27, 2011

Mangalore, February 27: Though measures are being taken to strengthen coastal security, it continues to remain a concern, said Union Home Secretary G.K. Pillai.

Talking to presspersons on the sidelines of a function here on Saturday, Mr. Pillai said the Centre has been strengthening the Coast Guard and Coastal Security Police. Additional coastal patrolling boats were being pressed into service. Mr. Pillai said placing of radars along the east and the west coast by next year would help in keeping a constant vigil on the movement of vessels.

Asked about the delay in procurement of boats, Mr. Pillai said 110 boats earmarked for the first phase would be available by May.

The Central Cabinet has given approval for procurement of 180 boats in the second phase. The orders for procurement will be issued in March, he said.

Mr. Pillai said there would be no let up in the anti-naxal operations in the light of the abduction and release of Malkangiri Collector R. Vineel Krishna.

He said there was nothing to warrant a re-look into the security for the collectors in the naxalite-affected areas, which, he considered adequate. “Mr. Krishna had entered the village without security,” Mr. Pillai said.

He said the positive outcome of Mr. Krishna's abduction was the impact of the development measures taken up by the officials.

“There is a lot of enthusiasm for development,” he said, and added that naxalites like to be seen as pro-development.

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Will end Karnataka leadership confusion after talks with top leaders: Kharge

News Network

November 27,2025

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Thursday announced that he will convene a high-level meeting in New Delhi with senior leaders — including Rahul Gandhi, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar — to resolve the escalating leadership turmoil in Karnataka and “put an end to the confusion.”

Kharge said the discussions would focus on the way forward for the ruling party, as rumours of a possible leadership change continue to swirl. The speculation has intensified after the Congress government crossed the halfway mark of its five-year term on November 20, reviving talk of an alleged 2023 “power-sharing agreement” between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar.

“After reaching Delhi, I will call three or four important leaders and hold discussions. Once we talk, we will decide how to move ahead and end this confusion,” Kharge told reporters in Bengaluru, according to PTI.

When asked specifically about calling Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar to Delhi, he responded: “Certainly, we should call them. We will discuss with them and settle the issue.”

He confirmed that Rahul Gandhi, the Chief Minister, the Deputy Chief Minister and other senior members would be part of the deliberations. “After discussing with everyone, a decision will be made,” he said.

Meanwhile, Siddaramaiah held a separate strategy meeting at his Bengaluru residence with ministers and leaders seen as his close confidants, including G. Parameshwara, Satish Jarkiholi, H.C. Mahadevappa, K. Venkatesh and K.N. Rajanna.
Signalling calm, the Chief Minister told reporters, “Will go to Delhi if the high command calls.”

Shivakumar echoed a similar stance, saying he too would head to the national capital if summoned by the party leadership.

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