Latest news with #MNarayan
Hindustan Times
02-05-2025
- Hindustan Times
Karwar base searches continue on second day
An inspection operation was conducted off the coast of Karwar in Karnataka, with the Indian Coast Guard, along with the state's coastal and local police, inspecting marine vessels near the strategic INS Kadamba naval base. The operation, triggered by intelligence inputs from central agencies, will check all boats and vessels approaching the port, according to officials. The inspection drive, which started on Wednesday, involved thorough checks of boats and ships approaching the Uttara Kannada district's coastal waters. 'We are checking every floating vessel arriving in Uttara Kannada district, and so far no such [suspicious ones] were traced,' Uttara Kannada superintendent of police M Narayan said. 'They are practically searching every marine transportation, and if okay, allowing them to enter into the State's water range.' An official said that the security initiative is not isolated to Karwar but is part of a broader effort to safeguard key naval and commercial ports along the western seaboard. 'Karwar is home to one of our aircraft carriers. From the information we have, similar operations are underway to secure other naval and important ports across the western border. As of now, these search operations would continue until further notice,' a senior intelligence officer said on condition of anonymity. The heightened alert comes in the wake of recent security breaches and concerns over potential threats from sea routes. In February, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) arrested two civilian contractors, Akshay Naik from Ankola and Vethan Thandel from Karwar, for allegedly leaking sensitive information about the INS Kadamba base to a Pakistani intelligence agent. The men were reportedly 'honey-trapped' by a woman posing as a marine officer, who befriended them via Facebook in 2023. Authorities said the two accused shared photos and updates on naval movements in exchange for a monthly payment of ₹5,000 over eight months. In light of recent developments, the local authorities have urged the fishing community, many of whom venture into deep sea daily—to report any unfamiliar or suspicious boats they encounter. 'Thousands of fishing boats enter into deep sea for fishing every day, which the department has instructed to inform immediately if found known, unknown boat, ship crosses the district's sea level,' Narayan said. Security has also been stepped up in villages near the Seabird Naval Base, with increased patrolling and surveillance measures. 'The Seabird Naval Base in Uttara Kannada district is one of the most secured places in the nation. Security at the place has been doubled after the Pahalgam terrorist attack,' he said. Uttara Kannada district commissioner Lakshmi Priya confirmed that a high alert was declared on Wednesday across the region to prevent possible threats from the sea. 'The district and the coast guards have been alerted. The tourist places in Gokarna, Murdeshwar, Yaana have been compulsorily affixed to the CCTV cameras and to record the entire details of every tourist,' she said. As a precautionary measure, the annual celebration event scheduled for May 4 at Rabindranath Beach near the naval base has been postponed. 'The yearly annual celebration programme on Ravindranath beach near Kadamba Seabird Naval beach scheduled on May 4 has been postponed for security reasons,' Lakshmi Priya added.
New Indian Express
26-04-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Pakistanis in Bhatkal not leaving, have long-term visas: Uttara Kannada police
KARWAR, BHATKAL: While the Union Government has directed officials to cancel the visas of all Pakistani nationals, and deport them within 48 hours, the Uttara Kannada police has said it cannot send back the Pakistani nationals residing in Bhatkal and Karwar, as they are on long-term visas. The Pahalgam terror attack which killed 28 tourists, has led to severe tensions, with the Union government directing all Pakistani nationals to leave the country within 48 hours. Pakistani citizens have started returning to their country, especially after Home Minister Amit Shah instructed all state governments to find Pakistanis and deport them. However, the Uttara Kannada district administration has made an exception, stating that Pakistani nationals there are not leaving. 'They are on a long-term visa and will not leave. They cannot be sent back,' Superintendent of Police M Narayan told TNIE. The district has 15 Pakistani nationals, of whom 14 are in Bhatkal and one is in Karwar. Among these 15, 14 are women, while one case is pending before court. These women from Pakistan have been married to their Muslim relatives in Bhatkal. Their visas are renewed every two years. They have even applied for Indian citizenship, but so far their applications have not been considered. Marital relationships with Pakistanis are common in Bhatkal's Navayath community, and the government gives long-term visas to those who enter India after marriage. 'There are many types of visas. The government has instructed us not to deport any long-term visa holders. In this respect, almost all the Pakistani nationals here cannot be sent back,' the SP said. The state has 88 Pakistani nationals, of whom 84 are on long-term visas, and four are on visitor's visa. In a rare case, a girl from Valki village from Honnavar married a Pakistani. The marriage was held in Pakistan, and according to a police source, she is waiting for a Pakistani visa.
