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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Dakshina Kannada: Two girls drown while bathing near Kolyadakatta dam in Kadaba
Mangaluru: Two girl students drowned while bathing near the Kolyadakatta dam area of the Gundya river on Friday evening here in the Kadaba Taluk of the district.
The deceased have been identified as Arpita (15) and Sunita (21), both residents of Vimalagiri in Kutrupadi village.
According to reports, five girl students had visited the river along with their friends as it was a holiday. While bathing in the river, the two students reportedly entered a deeper portion of the water without realising the depth and began drowning.
Those accompanying them tried to rescue the duo, but were unsuccessful, leading to the tragedy.
After receiving information about the incident, Kadaba Police Station personnel visited the spot and conducted an inspection. The bodies were later recovered with the help of local residents.
