Two More Maoists Surrender in Separate Districts, Laud CM's Rehabilitation Schemes

Two more Maoists, who had parted ways with the larger group that surrendered on January 8, have laid down their arms before the government, officials familiar with the matter said, adding that they surrendered separately in Udupi and Chikkamagaluru districts on Saturday and Sunday.

- Arun Dev

BENGALURU:

On Sunday, Thombattu Lakshmi, originally from Udupi and an operative from Thomattu in Kundapur, surrendered before Udupi district commissioner K Vidyakumari. Lakshmi had been involved in Maoist activities for several years and had three cases registered against her at the Amasebail and Shankaranarayana police stations. The surrender process took place in the presence of district police superintendent Arun K.

Addressing the media, Vidyakumari assured that the state government's surrender rehabilitation package would be implemented. "There are three surrender packages-A, B, and C. After a thorough investigation, the police will recommend the appropriate package to the state government. Support for self-employment and rehabilitation will be provided in stages, and we will also recommend fulfilling her demands," she said.

Explaining her decision, Lakshmi stated, "I voluntarily surrendered after seeing chief minister Siddaramaiah's surrender policy on television and the opportunities it offers. My native place lacks basic facilities like roads, hospitals, water, and other necessities. These are my demands."