HYDERABAD: Dr Ravinuthala Shashidhar, convener of the Anti-Terrorism Forum (ATF), has condemned the decision of the state government to order state honours for the balladeer Gaddar, alleging that he was a prominent figure known for inspiring youth towards Naxalism through his revolutionary songs.
Speaking to Deccan Chronicle earlier in the day, Shashidhar said that Gaddar was associated with the Naxalites and influenced many people and opposed the government openly. He caused trouble in a peaceful state for many years, Shashidhar alleged and demanded that the government rescind its decision with regard to providing state honours.
He said police personnel, then minister Alimineti Madhava Reddy and then Speaker Suddilla Sripada Rao were killed because of Gaddar’s naxalism.
“Today, the state government honours him with the police salute. This is an insult to the sacrifices made by policemen and the civilians who lost their lives in the fight against Naxalism,” Shashidhar said.
“The government should not be seen as endorsing Naxalite ideology, he said. “The government's decision will damage the morale of the police force. Such actions may further escalate the conflict.”
