Govt gives one week time for Naxal to surrender

Govt gives one week time for Naxal to surrender

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangalore, Sept. 15, 2012: Karnataka Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar on Saturday announced a week-long ceasefire from Monday in anti-Naxal operations to facilitate surrender of Maoists. The ceasefire would take effect at 6 a.m. on September 17, 2012 and would be in force till 6 p.m. on September 23, 2012, he told reporters in Bangalore.

Following reports about sighting of Naxals moving in the forest areas in Udupi, Hassan and Dakshina Kannada districts, the Anti Naxal squad headed by Alok Kumar is conducting combing operation since last 15 days. Recent reports were that about six naxals, including a woman, visited a house in the forest near Sakaleshpur in Hassan District and had food. Last week in the encounter one Naxal sustained bullet injuries in a exchange fire between ANF and Naxals.

The measure has been taken as some Naxalites have sent a message that they desire to surrender and the government is giving them an opportunity do so, Mr. Shettar said. The Chief Minister said the government is willing to give protection to surrendered Naxalites, encourage them to return to the mainstream and lead a normal life.

Defending the ceasefire decision, he said, “We have not forced them. They have come forward. We have to encourage them (to surrender).” The government would give them a package within the legal framework and as per the surrender policy.

Asked if criminal cases against them would be withdrawn, Mr. Shettar said it depends, noting that in case there are murder charges, the state can’t interfere.