Naxalite Thombattu Lakshmi surrenders before Udupi DC

UDUPI: A woman Naxalite, who was active in Karnataka, has finally surrendered before deputy commissioner Dr Vidyakumari at the DC office in Manipal.

Naxalite Thombattu Lakshmi, an active member of the Naxal movement, came to the office of the district police superintendent on Sunday along with Shripal, a member of the Surrender and Rehabilitation Committee, to complete the legal formalities of surrender.

Later, the police took Lakshmi to the DC office with security protection. Her brother and relatives were present during the surrender. The surrender process was completed at the DC office. The district administration has decided to provide her with an ‘A’ category package.

SP Arun said that they will produce her before court after conducting a health check-up.

There are three cases against surrendered Naxal Lakshmi at the Amasebailu police station. These cases include a 2007 case of firing, a case of assault and threat, and a case of pasting pamphlets.

Karnataka had taken a big step towards becoming “Naxal-free”, as Siddaramaiah announced. District Collector Dr Vidyakumari stated that, as per the state government’s orders, Lakshmi will be provided with a rehabilitation package. There are three categories of rehabilitation packages and since Lakshmi is a resident of the state, she falls under the ‘A’ category.

The package includes rehabilitation, training, and education. Her problems in the village, as mentioned by her, will also be addressed. The Naxals appeal to return to the mainstream has been ratified by the State-level committee to oversee the implementation of the Naxal surrender policy.

Thombattu Lakshmi, speaking to media, said, “I decided to come to the mainstream after Siddaramaiah announced the surrender protocol and Naxal package. I surrendered voluntarily, not under anyone’s pressure”. She also requested to provide basic infrastructure for their village, including a school, road and others.