Efforts on to ensure Maoists surrender, make Karnataka Naxal-free: G Parameshwara
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara on Tuesday said that efforts are on to ensure that Maoists, who are active, to surrender in the days ahead, as the government wants to make the state "Naxal-free".
This comes amid reports that a few suspected Maoists have expressed their desire to return to the mainstream.
"The process (for surrender) is underway, and we need to finalise it. After the Vikram Gowda incident (encounter), we called upon them (Maoists/Naxals) to surrender. Officials have been working in this direction at various levels, and now we feel it has reached an advanced stage. We will continue working toward this, and if everything goes as planned, we will ensure their surrender," Parameshwara said.
Speaking to reporters, he said, "There are certain procedures and rules for surrender in the government. Similar efforts were made in 2000-2001 when S M Krishna was the Chief Minister. These will be reviewed, as those willing to surrender have also made certain requests."
When asked if the state would be Naxal-free after the surrender, Parameshwara said, "In the current situation, if no one comes in from outside, it is possible. They have a presence in various states and keep moving. Our effort is focused on making the state Naxal-free."
On Monday, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah hinted that individuals involved in Naxal activities may surrender to state authorities soon.
Sources indicate that a few individuals involved in Naxal activities have initiated steps toward surrendering, following efforts by the state committee tasked with implementing the rehabilitation policy for assimilating or facilitating the surrender of left-wing extremists.
The Chief Minister recently urged Naxalites (Maoists) engaged in violent activities to surrender and integrate into the democratic mainstream.
He stated that the government had already established a surrender policy for Naxals and assured that it would be simplified and implemented effectively.
On 18 November 2024, Maoist leader Vikram Gowda was allegedly killed in an encounter with the anti-Naxal force in Peetabailu village, Hebri, Udupi district.
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Bihar: Over 150 children fall ill after consuming 'mid-day meal' in Saharsa
Saharsa (PTI): More than 150 children were taken ill after allegedly consuming food that was part of the mid-day meal in a school in Bihar’s Saharsa district, a senior official said on Thursday.
The incident occurred at a middle school in Baluaha village of the district.
The official said that 115 children were undergoing treatment at the Sadar Hospital, while around 50 students were admitted to Mahishi Public Health Centre.
“We received information that several children fell ill after consuming the mid-day meal in Baluaha. The children were initially treated at the primary health centre, but later, many were referred to the Sadar Hospital,” Saharsa District Magistrate Deepesh Kumar told reporters.
“According to doctors, the health condition of the children has improved, but they will be kept under observation for some time. There is no need to panic. Some kids are having mild fever. They are being treated accordingly,” Kumar said.
Meanwhile, family members of some children claimed that a snake was found in the container in which cooked pulses was stored at the school.
Of the 545 students present in the school, 200 had already eaten their meals by the time the snake was spotted, and later complained of stomach ache and vomiting, they said.
Regarding the claims, the DM said food samples have been collected from the school.
“We will be able to comment on this only after the results of the tested samples arrive,” he said.
