In combative mood
on november 19, the Karnataka government tried its hand at damage control as it declared a Rs 60-crore rehabilitation package for approximately 5000 tribal families living within the proposed Kudremukh National Park. The announcement came a day after the killing of two women members of activist group Kanti Kari Mahila Sangha (dubbed as naxals by the authorities) in a police encounter at Bollottu village in Udupi district. But the government's gesture has backfired, with local federations opposing it tooth and nail. Its overall mismanagement of the situation has also allowed left-wing extremist outfits like the Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) to establish a firm foothold in the region.
The notified national park is spread over two districts of Karnataka