CHIKKAMAGALURU: In an increasing trend, Naxalites are giving up arms and are joining the mainstream. On Monday, three Naxalites — Kanyakumari and her husband Shivu and their associate Chennamma — surrendered before the district administration in Chikkamagaluru. The trend was set off by the high — profile surrender of Venkatesh, Saroja and Mallika in 2011 — 12. About one — and — a — half years later, top leaders, Sirimane Nagraj and Noor Sridhar, joined the mainstream.
Six months ago, it was the turn of Padmanabha, Renuka, Parashuram and Rizwana Begum to give up their armed struggle. Kanyakumari (30) alias Suvarna, a resident of Jarimane in Mudigere taluk of Chikkamagaluru, faces 33 cases of possession of illegal firearms, dacoity, murder and allegiance with Naxalism.
She was an active member of the Communist Party of India (Maoists) since 2003 and faces 15 cases in Chikkamagaluru, 17 in Udupi and one in Shivamogga.
Chennamma (32) from Hammigi village in Mundaragi of Gadag district was active in coastal parts of the state and faces three cases in Udupi district. Chennamma was arrested in 2007, but she went underground since 2009.
Though no cases have been booked against Shivu (31) alias Gnanadeva, a resident of Bannerghatta in Bengaluru, he is charged with supporting Naxalism. He married Kanyakumari two years ago and was staying in Bengaluru.
Their surrender was discussed by a state committee, which facilitates the return of Naxalites to the mainstream. Members of the civil society, including freedom fighter H.S. Doreswamy, advocate A.K. Subbaiah and journalist Gowri Lankesh, put pressure on Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to accept the surrender of three Naxals.
Chikkamagaluru Deputy Commissioner Satyavathi said that suitable action will be taken to provide necessary facilities to the surrendered Naxalites and a report will be submitted
to the State Committee on Naxal rehabilitation, which is headed by the Chief Secretary. SP Annamalai and other officials were present when the Naxalites surrendered.
“The three had severed their links with Naxalism and remained underground for about two years before they decided to surrender.
They were convinced that it was no use fighting from inside the forest and have respected the laws to lead a respected life,” said A.K. Subbaiah, advocate.
“I welcome the decision of the three Naxals to surrender. They can join fighting for justice for the people by remaining in the mainstream of society in a constructive way,” said Sirimane Nagraj, a former Naxal leader.
