Date:04/04/2004 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2004/04/04/stories/2004040405390300.htm

Andhra Pradesh - Anantapur

Security arrangements for polls reviewed

By Our Staff Reporter

ANANTAPUR, APRIL 3. The Director-General of Police, S.R. Sukumara, reviewed the security arrangements for the ensuing elections in Anantapur district here today.

The DIG of Police of Anantapur Range, Ch. Dwaraka Tirumala Rao, the Superintendent of Police, Anil Kumar, explained the steps taken by the police and also made some suggestions.

The in-charge of Anantapur and Kurnool districts for election period, the Additional DGP and the Director of the Andhra Pradesh Police Academy, M. Ratan, was also present.

Speaking to the newspersons later he said once a hotbed of factional feuds Anantapur district was mostly a peaceful district today with factionalism confined to only some portions of Tadipatri, Dharmavaram and Gooty areas. He stated that naxalite activity too was restricted to Ramagiri, Bukkapatnam and Penukonda areas.

On naxalite activity the DGP said they were carrying out actions with small teams consisting of two to three members. Such teams had killed an AR constable and a former naxalite recently in the district, he noted.

Anantapur district was already given 10 companies of central para-military forces and another four-five companies would be given at the time of polling.

Aerial surveillance of naxal-infested areas would also be done to contain the naxalite movements, if necessary, he stated.

Earlier, the DGP inaugurated 38 residential quarters for police constables. He also laid foundation for construction of a conference hall on the premises of District Police Office with an estimated cost of Rs. 14 lakhs. The Managing Director of Police Housing Corporation, Kamal Kumar, was also present.