Saturday, February 19 2005 17:26 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Bangalore: Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh today (Feb 19, 2005) launched a joint offensive against naxals by deploying their forces at Kamanadurga hills near Pavagada in Tumkur district in tune with their understanding and determination to curb the rising naxal menace.

Close on the heels of Karnataka securing the neighbouring State's help, personnel from both States mounted a vigorous combing operation in the Kamanadurga hills this morning, in the wake of information that the ravines provided shelter to naxals, top police sources refusing to be named told sources in Bangalore.

Sources refused to divulge the strength of the joint force, which is undertaking the operation or if any naxal has been nabbed.

Meanwhile, Karnataka Chief Minister N Dharam Singh confirmed that the joint operations have begun, but did not provide further details.

Singh asserted that the Government would deal with naxals ruthlessly, as his Government came under sharp attack from the Opposition parties after a naxal group raided a police camp and gunned down seven police personnel at Venkammanahalli in Pavagada taluk bordering Andhra Pradesh on February 11.

After the marauding attack by naxals on the police, Singh who had offered to hold a dialogue with naxals took a tough stand in dealing with the problem and sent a team of police officials to Andhra Pradesh to seek its support for the operations.