Concerns Raised Over Maoist Surrender in Karnataka: Investigation Needed, Says TN BJP Leader
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Mangaluru, Jan 11 (NationPress) Tamil Nadu BJP State President K. Annamalai, who previously served as an IPS officer in Karnataka, stated on Saturday that the recent surrender of six Maoists to the Chief Minister raises doubts and should be thoroughly investigated.
Speaking to the media in Mangaluru, Annamalai commented, "I have been closely monitoring the news surrounding this issue. Drawing from my experience in the Naxal surrender process in Chikkamagaluru district of Karnataka, I believe the surrender of Naxals to the Chief Minister warrants scrutiny."
"The circumstances surrounding the Naxal surrender in Karnataka are concerning. Additionally, the encounter involving Naxal Vikram Gowda before the surrender has also sparked doubts," Annamalai remarked.
"Reports indicate that Vikram Gowda was shot by authorities while attempting to gather supplies near a residence. Local residents have shared their accounts with the media post-encounter, revealing that police arrived early to clear the area. Suddenly, news of the encounter emerged, and shortly thereafter, six Naxals surrendered, which raises questions," he asserted.
"Our party's senior officials have already voiced their concerns, suggesting that the entire surrender process appears dubious. It seems unlikely that there was any negotiation involved. We must investigate whether the Congress exploited internal conflicts among the Naxals. Alternatively, overground workers active in Naxal-dominated regions may have influenced the government. Numerous questions remain," he emphasized.
"During my time in Chikkamagaluru, Naxals surrendered, which involved a lengthy process. Karnataka has an active Naxal surrender policy in place, which requires ongoing civil society engagement and negotiations. Naxals typically gather information regarding potential benefits prior to surrender, such as bank loans and skill development training. There are conditions attached to their surrender, including facing legal proceedings and appearing in court," Annamalai elaborated.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, welcoming the surrendered Maoists into the mainstream, presented them with roses and copies of the Indian Constitution at his office, 'Krishna', in Bengaluru on Wednesday.
With the surrender of six Maoists, the Congress-led government has proclaimed Karnataka free from Left-Wing Extremism (LWE).
Karnataka BJP President B. Y. Vijayendra remarked on Friday that the surrender of six Maoists before Chief Minister Siddaramaiah at his office on Thursday was a "purely theatrical event".
The individuals who surrendered included Mundagaru Latha from Mundagaru in Sringeri; Vanajakshi from Balehole in Kalasa; Sundari from Kutluru near Mangaluru; Marappa Jayanna Aroli from Raichur; Vasantha T. also known as Ramesh from Tamil Nadu; and T.N. Jeesha from Kerala, all in the presence of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.
