from Durga Digitals
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (RD/CN)
 
Udupi, Oct 21: Amrut Pal will take charge as the new DIG of Anti Naxal Force (ANF) for the four districts of Dakshina Kannada (DK), Udupi, Chikmagalur, and Shimoga, on Wednesday October 22, informed police sources.

Amrut Pal had served as SP of the district four years ago, and was known for his strict enforcement of the law. His promotion as DIG of ANF has sent shivers down the spines of naxals operating in the district. 

The naxal groups operating in the four districts are facing major setbacks owing to internal differences, said reliable sources. Naxal groups consisting of 50–53 people operating under the names Varahi, Malnad, Karavali and Netravati, are led by B G Krishnamurti, Mundagaru Lata, Mandegadde Prabha and Hebri Vikram Gowda.

There is disillusionment amongst the leaders which is causing differences of opinion. The first three seem to have lost interest in the naxal movement and have decided to surrender to the government. However, Hebri Vikram Gowda opposes his comrades’ decision.
 
Naxal activities in the coastal and Malnad districts over the past four to five years have killed eight naxals, six civilians, and one police constable, besides damaging government and private property worth crores of rupees. The naxal menace in the district here was first identified visibly during the term of S Murugan was serving as superintendent of police (SP). It was he who led an encounter at Eidu in Karkala in which two suspected naxalites were killed.