Pics: Prajwal Ukkuda
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (RD)

Mangalore, Nov 26: "In order to strengthen Anti-Naxal Force (ANF) and Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS), it has been decided to recruit Home Guards and high-level talks are under way in this regard," said Western Range IGP A M Prasad here on Tuesday November 25.

IGP Prasad was speaking after inaugurating western range-level home guards professional and sports meet, here on Tuesday organized by Dakshina Kannada (DK) district Home Guards unit.

A proposal has been sent to the state government and higher police officers, in order to induct home guards into the services of ANF and ATS. Since home guards are familiar with their surroundings, they can ensure greater degree of success in various operations, he elaborated.

Home guards enjoy well-deserved status in the society.  More youth are seeking placement in home guards in the recent past.  Honorarium paid to the home guards has been hiked. But there plans for further hike, he added.

SP Sateeshkumar was the chief guest of the occasion.

Home Guards district commandant Dr Nidarsh Hegde welcomed the gathering while deputy commandant Ramesh proposed vote of thanks.

Altogether 150 home guards consisting of 130 men and 30 women from DK, Udupi, Uttara Kannada and Chikmagalur districts, are competing in the three-day western range sports meet.