Karnataka ‘Naxal-free’ under Congress rule: Deputy CM Shivakumar

Bangalore (Karnataka) [India], January 8 (ANI): Following the surrender of six Naxals in Karnataka on Wednesday, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar declared the state "Naxal-free."
He attributed the achievement to the combined efforts of the state government, police officers, and a dedicated peacekeeping committee.
"With the surrender of six Naxalites, Naxalism is free under Congress rule in Karnataka," Deputy CM Shivakumar said.
"This work has been successful due to the efforts of the government, police officers, and the peacekeeping committee formed by the government is good that two from Tamil Nadu and Kerala state and four from Karnataka surrendered after putting forward some demands. They all came forward and surrendered due to everyone's hard work," he said.
"We will respect all the demands of surrendered Naxals. One from Tamil Nadu has got B. Tech degree," he added.
When asked if he had criticized the BJP government's move, he said, "Just criticizing is their job. Taking advantage of the situation is what they always do. We have asked them to surrender from the bottom of our hearts. Our Chief Minister has also surrendered because he promised to fulfil their demands. Mahatma Gandhi said something. 'Use your brain to control yourself. If you want to win the hearts of others, work with your heart. Our government has worked with heart," he said.
"Our government has acted according to the constitution. We have worked under the law. Our Chief Minister has given a copy of the constitution book to the surrendered Naxalites," he added.
The surrendered Naxalites include Mundagaaru Latha and Vanajakshi from Chikkamagaluru, Sundari from Dakshina Kannada, Jish from Kerala, Vasanth K from Tamil Nadu, and Marappa Aroli from Raichur.
The individuals, who included members from Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka, handed over their uniforms and surrender letters in the presence of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Shivakumar, Home Minister G Parameshwara, and senior police officials.
Mundagaru Latha and the other surrendered Naxals addressed the media after their surrender at the Chief Minister's Home Office in Krishna. (ANI)