Taking cognisance of intelligence input about Naxalite’s activities in the areas border with Indo-Nepal border in Kumaon division, Uttarakhand police has decided to establish Special Operation Task Force in the State.
Police and intelligence personnel will be directed to conduct combing operation jointly and be vigilant on anti-national elements. In connection with this, awareness campaign will also be organised for employees of various departments including Forest, Police, Revenue and Public in general, said State Inspector General of Police (law and order) Ram Singh Meena on Sunday.
The IG Meena said that security is being increased with the deployment of adequate police personnel including security men from state police and para-military forces in Naxal-affected areas in Kumaon division.
According to him, statistical reports revealed that lack of development is one of the major reasons for growth of Maoist activities in areas border with Indo-Nepal in Kumaon division or elsewhere in the country.
Meena said that Maoist activities have not been sighted so far in Uttarakhand but the fact that some of the areas in its Kumaon region are located close to the Nepal border where Maoist elements are united and activity can’t be ruled out. “Anti-India sentiments are being stoked by Maoist elements in Nepal and we will have to remain vigilant,” Meena added.
He further said that a special operation task force (SOTF) was set up considering the vulnerability of the state’s Kumaon division to Maoist activities. SOTF teams consisting of police and intelligence personnel will be directed to conduct regular combing of the sensitive areas to keep an eye on anti-national elements.
The IG Meena apprised that so far 16 persons allegedly accused of being involved in Maoist activities in the state were arrested in past. Out of which two died while on bail while 14 of them are out on bail at present. Their activities are being monitored by the police and intelligence official as well.