Saturday, August 20 2005 15:01 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Bangalore: Close on the heels of Andhra Pradesh banning Maoist naxal groups, Karnataka is also contemplating a similar step, official sources said.

The State Cabinet, which held informal discussions on the issue yesterday (August 19, 2005), directed the Home Department to compile a comprehensive report on naxal groups activities and submit it to the Cabinet for a decision, sources told PTI.

Chief Minister N Dharam Singh yesterday (August 19, 2005) indicated to reporters that the Government was contemplating a ban on Maoist Naxal groups, apprehending that the banned outfits might cross over to the state from Andhra Pradesh.

There has been an upsurge in the activities of Maoist led naxal groups in parts of Chikamagalur, Udupi and Pavagada in Tumkur distirct in recent months and the state has set up a Anti-naxal Special Task Force to combat the outlawed groups activities.

A Home Department official said the ban imposed on naxal activities few years ago by the state still remained in vogue and it has not been revoked.

Some years ago after Andhra Pradesh banned PWG and other naxals groups, Karnataka too followed suit, as it has a vast border with the neighbouring state. Maoist groups were however not covered under it.