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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ED raids in BBMP an outcome of squabbling in BJP, says Deputy CM Shivakumar
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Wednesday claimed that the ED raids in the 'Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike' was an outcome of infighting in the BJP.
The ED on Tuesday searched the offices of Engineer-in-Chief B S Prahlad and other engineers in the BBMP in connection with the borewells and Reverse Osmosis plants in the areas where Cauvery water connection has not been provided, sources in civic agency said.
The raids were based on a complaint by a BJP leader and former BBMP Councillor N R Ramesh to the Anti-Corruption Bureau. The ACB later referred the case to the ED.
"It's an internal fight in the BJP. A BJP leader had given a complaint against his own party MLAs because he was denied a ticket (to contest assembly election)," Shivakumar told reporters here.
He said he had instructed the BBMP officials about one and a half years ago to be prepared for the possible raids and provide whatever documents the ED officials would ask for.
"We will cooperate with them. There is nothing wrong in it. I don't know the details but officers yesterday told me about it," Shivakumar said.
The Deputy CM said when documents are provided under the Right to Information to everyone, the ED officials will also be given the same. He added that those committed wrong will be punished.
Regarding the dinner meeting hosted by the MLAs from SC/ST community being cancelled, he said he has no information about it.
Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara on Tuesday said that the dinner meeting of Congress leaders, ministers and lawmakers from SC/ST communities that was called on January 8, has been postponed following an instruction from a AICC general secretary in-charge of Karnataka, Randeep Singh Surjewala.
The next date of the meeting will be informed later, Parameshwara said in a statement.
The meeting was scheduled within a week after Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's dinner with select Dalit and ST Cabinet colleagues that had created buzz within the ruling Congress, amid speculation over a change of guard in the state after March this year.
According to party sources, Deputy Chief Minister and state Congress president D K Shivakumar had met AICC general secretary (Organisation) K C Venugopal in Delhi and discussed the developments.
