In a first, Nagaland’s ‘elite’ cops deployed in state

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: For the first time, a police team from Nagaland, trained in counter-insurgency operations and dealing with large-scale unrest, has been deployed in the left wing extremism (LWE)-affected areas of Kerala to ensure security during the polls on Friday.

The contingent comprises 11 companies of the Nagaland armed police force, consisting of 800 armed personnel, and has been posted in LWE-affected areas in Kasaragod, Kannur city, rural, and Kozhikode rural police districts.
The team travelled from Madurai to the state after completing poll duty in Tamil Nadu. “The force has expertise in managing violent mobs, counter-in surgency measures, jungle warfare, and operations in LWE-affected areas like Bastar and Purulia,” said additional SP Shouka Kakheto who heads the team.

While Kerala has witnessed armed confrontations between state police and LWE cadres in the past, the level of violence has not escalated to the bloodshed witnessed in regions like Bastar and Purulia. The LWE presence in Kerala has been primarily corroborated through sightings and occasional visits by Maoist cadres to tribal colonies seeking food and rations.

Nonetheless, the polling booths in areas categorized as LWE-affected by the ministry of home affairs have been placed under the protection of the Nagaland armed police cadres, along with other central forces. Depending on the threat perception, these booths will have four to eight armed personnel deployed.

“The Nagaland police force has hands-on experience in dealing with insurgencies of massive scale and degree. Their training modules are designed to handle the toughest situations,” DIG (CID) of Nagaland police KPA Ilyas told TOI over the phone from Kohima.“The situation back in our state and this part of the country is totally different. Coming from the hills, our boys are fit besides being trained well in weapons and tactics. We also find that this state is totally peaceful,” Kakheto said.

The team is cherishing their experience during their maiden visit to Kerala. “The hills, jungle, and terrain here have a lot of similarities with that of our place, but the sea and the beaches are an altogether new experience to us. The places here are clean, and we are also enjoying local food,” he said.
Explore the yearly horoscope 2025 for Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces zodiac signs. Spread love this holiday season with these New Year wishes, messages and quotes.