Karnataka Sees Largest Naxal Surrender As 6 Maoists To Lay Down Arms: Home Minister

While Karnataka Home Minister Parameshwara confirmed the surrender, he refrained from divulging specific details regarding the Maoists' demands or the government's promises.

Parameshwara acknowledged that there are cases against the Maoists but reassured that the legal process will be followed after their surrender.

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Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara announced on Wednesday that a group of Maoists is set to surrender before the state government following the call for them to join the mainstream. The official sources told PTI that six Maoists, including individuals from Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala, are expected to surrender in Bengaluru today before Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Parameshwara.

The individuals likely to surrender include Mundagaru Latha, Sundari Kuthlur, Vanajakshi Balehole and Mareppa Aroli from Karnataka; K. Vasanth from Tamil Nadu and Jeesha from Kerala.

While Parameshwara confirmed the surrender, he refrained from divulging specific details regarding the Maoists' demands or the government's promises. He stated, as per a report on PTI, "I can only say they are surrendering; I cannot share other details, such as their demands and what we have promised. I will share them later."

In response to concerns raised by the BJP regarding the government's facilitation of the surrender process, given the serious charges, including murder, against the individuals, Parameshwara emphasised that the government had called for their surrender after the encounter with Maoist leader Vikram Gowda. He added that the Anti-Naxal Force (ANF) and other officials have worked diligently on the matter.

Parameshwara acknowledged that there are cases against the Maoists but reassured that the legal process will be followed after their surrender. "Yes there are cases against them. We will see on how the cases will proceed after their surrender and what is there in law," he said. 

This move comes after Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's recent remarks hinting at the possibility of Maoists surrendering in the near future. The Chief Minister had also appealed to those involved in Naxal activities to surrender and rejoin the democratic mainstream.

The surrender is being discussed in the wake of the encounter in November 2024, where Maoist leader Vikram Gowda was killed by the Anti-Naxal Force in Peetabailu village, Hebri, Udupi district. The state government aims to make Karnataka "Naxal-free" and has already formulated a surrender policy, which will be simplified for effective implementation.