Coast Security Police aims to implement Vibrant Village Program in coastal Karnataka: SP Abdul Ahad
Udupi, August 22 - The Coast Guard Police in Udupi has outlined plans to adopt the Central Government's Vibrant Village Program, mirroring its success in Arunachal Pradesh, to ensure the development of villages situated along the coastal border of Karnataka. This initiative is designed to curb migration from these border villages while providing essential infrastructure. Superintendent of Police Abdul Ahad of the Karnataka Coastal Security Police shared these insights during an interactive session organized by the Udupi Press Club Committee on Tuesday.
SP Abdul Ahad stated that a comprehensive report on the villages along the coastal border has been submitted to the Central Government for review and potential implementation. Drawing parallels with the Vibrant Village Program successfully employed in Arunachal Pradesh, he expressed optimism about its positive impact on the coastal border villages in Karnataka.
Addressing concerns about narcotics trafficking at sea, SP Abdul Ahad revealed that such incidents are rare within their jurisdiction due to the high costs associated with sea-based transportation of contraband. He added that Coast Security Police remain vigilant nonetheless.
Acknowledging the crucial role of fishermen in maintaining maritime security, SP Abdul Ahad praised the local fishing community for their cooperation and proactive reporting of suspicious activities. He highlighted the strong partnership between the fishermen and the police department, aided by wireless communication and vigilance.
Speaking on the issue of narcotics, SP Abdul Ahad emphasized the collective responsibility to combat its menace. He reported the registration of several cases related to the sale and consumption of narcotics on beaches, asserting that strict actions have been taken against the culprits.
Regarding security measures, SP Abdul Ahad detailed the installation of over 500 CCTV cameras across the coastal region from Karwar to Mangalore, with significant support from public participation. He underlined the significance of coastal security and its link to tourism, illustrating the increased focus on information gathering about foreigners staying at resorts.
SP Abdul Ahad also noted ongoing discussions at the government level regarding the necessity of a Sea Ambulance for the Karnataka coast. Plans for a Coastal Security Training Center, Hospital, Jetty, and Solar Power initiatives at various locations are in progress. The department is gradually strengthening its capacity with additional drones and boats, he added.
The Udupi District Working Journalists Association President Rajesh Shetty Alevuru and General Secretary Nazir Polya were among the attendees. The event was hosted at the Udupi Press Bhavan Committee with Convener Ajith Aradi extending the welcome and Co-convenor Ankit Shetty delivering the vote of thanks. Journalist Deepak Jain moderated the program.
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Rahul Gandhi alleges US pressure on PM over trade deal, says Indian farmers being “sacrificed”
Kannur (Kerala) (PTI): Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Thursday alleged that US President Donald Trump had used the Epstein files to threaten Prime Minister Narendra Modi into signing a trade deal that would “sacrifice” Indian farmers.
The Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha was speaking at a farmers’ convention in Peravoor, Kannur district.
He said the simple fact that farmers are the foundation of India is not understood by the government.
He said lengthy lectures were delivered about IT and other sectors, but nothing could be built without strengthening the foundation.
“If you do not respect the foundation, nothing can be built. The person who builds the foundation does not have respect or protection. We eat food every day but do not remember who puts it on our table,” he said.
Gandhi alleged that the Prime Minister had signed a deal with the US President that was “like digging the foundation”.
“Indian farmers are small farmers with low levels of mechanisation. American farmers have massive farms and high levels of mechanisation. It is a criminal act to allow access to Indian markets for American companies,” he said.
The Congress leader claimed that no previous prime minister would have allowed American farmers to sell products such as soybeans, vegetables and fruits in India.
“It will destroy the foundation of Indian agriculture. The Green and White Revolutions happened for farmers,” he said.
According to him, the India-US deal had been stalled for four months due to disagreements over agriculture.
“The Indian government did not want to open agriculture to American companies. Nothing was moving, and the US President was threatening the Prime Minister,” he alleged.
He further claimed that he was not allowed to speak in Parliament after the President’s address because he intended to raise two issues.
“One issue was about 3.5 million Epstein files that are yet to come out, which are held secret by the US government and allegedly contain information about the Prime Minister of India. The second was the Adani case in America,” he said.
The Union government had rejected references to PM Modi in the latest Jeffrey Epstein case files, describing it as "little more than trashy ruminations by a convicted criminal that deserves to be dismissed with the utmost contempt".
He alleged that a case had been registered against the Adani Group in the US and that it was linked to the PM.
“These are the reasons why the Prime Minister is ready to destroy the foundation of India. Indian farmers are being sacrificed so that the Prime Minister can protect himself and the financial structure of the BJP,” Gandhi alleged.
He said the Congress would not allow farmers of India and Kerala to be sacrificed.
Referring to Kerala, Gandhi said a manifesto was being prepared that would incorporate public issues, and that any future UDF government should remember that its foundation lay in farmers and labourers.
“The government should go to farmers as a service provider. Farmers need support prices, cold chains and storage facilities. They need protection in difficult times,” he said.
Gandhi, a former MP from Wayanad, said he had witnessed the tragedy of man-animal conflict in the region and described it as a "complex issue" that could be resolved.
