Sunday, February 20 2005 18:14 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Bangalore: Karnataka has stepped up its offensive against naxalites with more than 400 policemen engaged in combing operations to nab ultras.

The hunt is particulary intense in hilly regions close to Venkatammanahalli in Pavagada Taluk of Tumkur district bordering Andhra Pradesh where the extremists had gunned down seven policemen earlier this month.

"Combing operations in affected (naxal-active) areas are going on", Karnataka Director General of Police, S N Borkar, told sources in Bangalore. "We have deployed 14 platoons (each platoon has 30 policemen)".

Besides Tumkur, police have targeted parts of the districts of Shimoga, Chikmagalur, Dakshina Kannada and Udupi believed to be hide-outs of naxals for combing operations.

Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh have agreed to cooperate with each other to end the naxal menace. Chief Minister N Dharam Singh said there is total coordination in this context between the two Governments.

Said Borkar, "There is no joint operation but we keep them informed (about the combing operations)". Accompanied by Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order) Subhash Bharani, the DGP visited the Venkatammanhalli police camp over the week-end.

Karnataka Government has assured the police that latest weapons would be provided to those engaged in combing operations. Sources said Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh would share intelligence in their battle against the ultras.