Naxalism 'more or less' ended in Karnataka, says Minister Parameshwara

Vartha Bharati | 09-01-2025 | 15:13:00 IST

Home Minister G Parameshwara (PTI)

Bengaluru (PTI): Naxalism has "more or less" ended in Karnataka, Home Minister G Parameshwara said on Thursday, following the surrender of six Maoists. He also strongly defended their surrender before Chief Minister Siddaramaiah amid criticism.

He stated that the Maoists were unarmed when they surrendered, and the police would investigate where they might have left their weapons.

The group of six Maoists who surrendered on Wednesday includes four from Karnataka—Mundagaru Latha from Sringeri, Vanajakshi Balehole from Kalasa, Sundari Kutluru from Dakshina Kannada, and Mareppa Aroli from Raichur. The other two are Vasantha K from Vellore in Tamil Nadu and N Jeesha from Wayanad in Kerala.

"Who is saying it was not appropriate for the Naxals to surrender before the CM? They should explain what is wrong and why they think it is wrong. We wanted to send a message to society that Naxalism has no place. When the surrender happens before the CM, the whole state becomes aware, and those who believe in Naxalism may rethink," Parameshwara said in response to criticism from the BJP.

Speaking to reporters, he said the surrender was intended to send a message to those involved in Naxal activities, making them aware that the government and the CM are committed to reforming them.

"What’s wrong with it? Let critics explain. Simply saying the surrender shouldn’t have happened before the CM is not right. They should provide reasons for their objections," he added.

Addressing objections raised about the rehabilitation package for the surrendered Maoists, the Home Minister defended the decision. "We will extend the package to all those involved in Naxal activities who wish to return to the mainstream. What’s wrong with that?" he said.

The six surrendered Maoists will be rehabilitated under categories 'A' and 'B' of the Karnataka Naxal Surrender Policy, 2024, and will receive Rs 3 lakh each.

Reacting to BJP general secretary and MLA Sunil Kumar’s statement that the Congress government was facilitating the surrender of Maoists as a "package" to convert forest Naxals into urban Naxals, Parameshwara dismissed the claims.

"He says such things, but Naxal activities were increasing in his constituency. The Anti-Naxal Force is based there in Karkala," he remarked.

When asked about whether the Maoists had surrendered their weapons, Parameshwara clarified that they were unarmed when they surrendered. "They left their arms behind. The police will investigate where they abandoned them," he said.

On whether Naxalism has officially ended in Karnataka, the minister said, "More or less, yes. We believe 99 per cent of it has ended."

Regarding Maoists from other states who surrendered, he said Siddaramaiah would speak to the chief ministers of those states, as the individuals face cases in their respective states in addition to Karnataka.

"As decisions have to be taken by those state governments too regarding cases against them, the CM has said that he will speak to his counterparts in Kerala and Tamil Nadu," the minister said.

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Singing legend Asha Bhosle dies at 92

12-04-2026 ¦ 12-04-2026 IST

Asha Bhosle (PTI)

Mumbai (PTI): Asha Bhosle, India's beloved singing icon, died on Sunday following multiple organ failure, doctors treating her said. She was 92.

"She passed way due to multi organ failure a few minutes ago," Dr Pratit Samdani told PTI.

Bhosle was admitted to Breach Candy hospital here on Saturday evening due to chest infection and exhaustion, her granddaughter Zanai Bhosle shared in a media post.

With a career spanning over eight decades, Asha Bhosle was known for her versatility and has sung many memorable melodies, from romantic songs to ghazals to peppy numbers.

Among her most popular songs are ‘Abhi Na Jao Chhod Kar’, ‘In Ankhon Ki Masti’,‘Dil Cheez Kya Hai’, ‘Piya Tu Ab to Aaja’, ‘Duniya Mein Logon Ko’, and ‘Zaara Se Jhoom Loon Main’, among others.

Bhosle recorded over 12,000 songs in different Indian languages and has been the voice for many leading ladies, from Meena Kumari, Madhubala, Zeenat Aman to Kajol, Urmila Matondkar and also South actors like Padmini and Vyjayanthimala.

In 2023, she performed at a special concert, ‘ASHA@90: Live in concert’, in Dubai to celebrate her 90th birthday.

Bhosle is the younger sister of the legendary singer late Lata Mangeshkar.