Speaking to media persons at a news conference held at the Police Commissioner's office in Mangalore on Wednesday, Mr. George said that at the moment personnel are being drawn from KSRP for Anti-Naxal Force (ANF), many of whom are not found to be skilled enough for anti-naxal operations in the woods. By creating an Anti-Terror Force (ATF), personnel will be churned out in line with commando standards with specialized training in jungle warfare, who will be drawn by ANF instead of pooling human resources from KSRP, the Minister said.
The ATF will not focus merely on providing support to ANF but will be a force with personnel trained to tackle all forms of terrorist activities including jungle warfare as well as urban terrorism. The intention is not to dilute ANF or any other existing force but to create more skilled and trained personnel to handle the security situation in the state, the Minister added.
On the problem of naxalism, Mr. George said that the government is always open for talks with naxals. “We want to bring them to the mainstream. They must realize that people are also not in their support. We saw the phenomenal public response during elections in naxal affected areas as they came out in good numbers to vote in spite of a boycott call”, the Minister said.
Clarifying state government's demand to the centre to declare areas in the state as naxal affected, Mr. George said that the demand was made with an intention to derive funds from the centre for naxal affected areas which can be used for development of those areas, doling out compensations and the like.
Harassment case
When asked as to whether any decision has been taken with regard to transfer of ACP Jagannath, who faces allegations of sexual harassment, Mr. George said that an Inquiry committee is looking into the matter and decisions on any kind of transfer will be taken care of by the Police Establishment Board.
The Minister said that he has directed the police officials to ensure that no delay is caused in verification of passports as people are upset with the slow processes and directed them to be strict in taking action against police constables and officers who are found to be accepting bribes during the police verification process.
Church attack
Responding to a query on the Church attacks, Mr. George said that there are appeals to re-investigate the matter. A cabinet sub-committee was formed by the previous government but no decision was taken by the committee and no final report was submitted to the government. A fresh cabinet sub-committee will be formed to look into the matter, he informed.
The Minister said that steps will be taken by the ministry for the betterment of the police force. “About 18-19 thousand posts in the police department are vacant due to which the existing policemen are burdened. I have spoken to the Chief Minister and we will try to fill at least 8,000 vacancies at an immediate basis. We have decided to increase opportunity for women in police forces and the limit will be upgraded to 20%. Recruiting of tribals in police forces is also being discussed. There is a requirement of about 35,000 police quarters. We are looking to set up 5000 quarters in the first stage. Besides, special attention will be paid to education needs of police officers' wards and loopholes in their medical insurance schemes”, the Minister said.
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