K'taka to review plan to disband anti-LWE force

The surrender of six Maoists before chief minister Siddaramaiah in Bengaluru has led the Karnataka government to re-evaluate its anti-Maoist strategy.

- Arun Dev

BENGALURU: The government is contemplating disbanding or downsizing the Anti-Naxal Force (ANF), with a decision anticipated, following a high-level security review meeting.

Describing the surrender as a pivotal step toward making Karnataka a "Naxal-free" state, Siddaramaiah on Wednesday said, "We have taken a big step. A review meeting with our officers will decide whether to dissolve the ANF."

The ANF was established in 2005 in response to a surge in Maoist violence, including the killing of seven Karnataka State Reserve Police Force (KSRP) personnel in Pavagada, following the death of Maoist leader Saketh Rajan. Formed with personnel from the Special Task Force (STF) that successfully killed forest brigand Veerappan in 2004, the ANF was tasked with countering Maoist activity, particularly in the Western Ghats and the Karnataka-Kerala-Tamil Nadu tri-junction.

Headquartered at Karkala in Udupi district, the ANF operates with over 500 personnel across 15 camps. Over the years, its presence has been credited with curbing Maoist influence in the Malnad region.