Maoist Threat: Proposal for Police Stations at Vilangad, Kakkayam

KOZHIKODE:  In the wake of perceived Maoist threat in the rural belt of the district, the police are planning to set up more police stations in the forest areas where the presence of the extremists has been reported.

According to an official with Nadapuram sub-division of police, a proposal has been mooted seeking government nod to set up stations at Vilangad bordering Kozhikode, Wayanad and Kannur districts and at Kakkayam.

Currently, Vilangad comes under the jurisdiction of Valayam station in the Circle of Nadapuram sub-division of police, almost 25 km from Nadapuram police Sub-Division Office.

Vilangad is also a major tribal hamlet in the district which has been cited as one of the reasons for Maoists focusing on the region.

It was more than 10 years ago that a police station was set up at Valayam considering the increasing incidents of arson in the area. However, the police team comprising two Sub- Inspectors, two Additional Sub-Inspectors, five senior civil police officers and 24 civil police officers failed to combat the increasing number of crimes.

In view of the recent reports of Maoist presence, the police have come up with the plan to upgrade the Kakkayam police out-post to a station.

An official with the Nadapuram police said the proposal was part of the department’s efforts to establish effective policing in the politically-sensitive region., he said.

The police have decided to strengthen vigil in areas bordering forests. As part of the move, the proposal has been put forward, he added.

“The proposed Vilangad police station will cover Vanimel and Narippatta panchayats. As per the proposal, Vilangad, Karukulam, Kommiyode, Paloor wards of Vanimel panchayat and Naduthara, Thavullakkolly, Valook wards of Narippatta panchayat will be in the limits of the new station. The Kakkayam out-post will be upgraded to a station. Both stations will have a minimum staff strength of 25 including one Sub-Inspector,” said the officer.

“A detailed plan has been prepared and it will be submitted to the State government this week,” the officer added.

According to police sources, the Kozhikode rural police have recorded the highest number of incidents of riots in the state for the past few years. But the rural stations are facing acute shortage of staff and other facilities.

“Worsening the situation, Maoist presence has also become a threat. If the proposed station becomes a reality, it would be a relief to the rural police,” the officer added.

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