Bangalore: Karnataka DGP M Shankar Bidari on Thursday asked Naxals operating in Malnad area to give up arms and make good use of the rehabilitation package announced by the government to enable them to join the mainstream.
"The government and Chief Minister D V Sadananda Gowda are
keen to see Naxals relinquish violence. They should use the
rehabilitation package announced and join the mainstream," he
told reporters here.
Police would intimate the date and place of surrender
within 24 hours of Naxals conveying the list of their members
who wished to surrender, he said.
His comments come in the wake of an encounter between
police and Naxals on March 10 and Home Minister R Ashok`s
statement in the Assembly that some Sri Lankan nationals have
joined hands with Naxals and are operating in Malnad area.
Bidari said the path of violence chosen by the Naxals was
against the ethos of the state. "Karnataka is a peaceful and
cultured state. It has got good administration, social and
religious traditions," he said.
The officer refused to comment on Ashok`s statement,
saying "I do not want to say anything on the matter as it
(naxalism) is a very sensitive issue."
PTI
