Arrest of Maoists will send stern message to extremists: Rajnath

Arrest of Naxal activists, including their top leadership, will put an end to the extremists' move in Kerala, state Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala said on Thursday.

Expressing satisfaction over the police action against the Maoists in the state, Chennithala said the arrest of top Naxal activists including their leader Roopesh will put an end to the extremists' move to make Kerala a hub of their activities.

"They are not enjoying the support of tribal people," he said dismissing suggestions that the Maoists have strong support base among tribal population in some parts of the state.

He said the Maoists who engaged in violent activities in some urban centres have been identified.

Chennithala said Kerala government is making efforts to bring the arrested Maoists to Kerala to probe their insurgent activities in the state.

Kerala police had already submitted a petition to a Coimbatore court, seeking custody of the five Maoists.

They are currently under the custody of Q' branch of Tamil Nadu police. Kerala Police has formed a special team to question the arrested Maoists.

Tamil Nadu police arrested five Maoists earlier this week from a bakery in Karumathampatti, about 20km from Coimbatore.