CHIKKAMAGALURU: A year has passed since six Naxalites surrendered before the government, attracted by its rehabilitation package and assurances from the authorities that their demands would be met. But a year on, they continue to languish in jail.
The six Naxalites -- Mundagaru Latha, Sundari Kutlur, Vanajakshi Balehle, Mareppa Aroli and K Vasantah from Tamil Nadu and TN Jisha from Kerala -- surrendered before Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on January 8, 2025.
Laying down of their arms was facilitated by Naxal Rehabilitation Committee. With their surrender, the Karnataka government had formally announced that the state was Naxalism free.
On the floor of the legislature, the government announced financial support of Rs 7.50 lakh for A-category cases and Rs 4 lakh for B-category cases. But the money is yet to reach the surrendered ultras, who have expressed serious dissatisfaction with the government’s promises, citing continued delays in legal proceedings.
Latha faces 65 cases in the state and 43 of them are registered in Chikkamagaluru. Of the 25 cases filed against Vanajakshi, 19 remain pending. Among 23 cases against Sundari, three are yet to be resolved. Of the 13 cases against Mareppa Aroli, three are still pending in the district. Most cases have been registered under the Jayapura and Sringeri police limits. Even as the Naxals continue to remain incarcerated without access to bail.
Eddelu Karnataka member Gouse Mohiyuddin lamented that the government has not consolidated the cases and accelerated hearings in the special court. He pointed out that of the 18 demands, only a small portion has been met. Under the surrender package, some beneficiaries have received grants, but the complete package has not yet been handed over to them. “The announced promises should be fulfilled at the earliest,” he insisted.
The district administration clarified that Rs 10 crore had been earmarked in the 2025–26 budget to develop basic amenities in Naxal-affected areas. It added that Rs 7.12 crore and Rs 2 crore have been released to Chikkamagaluru and Udupi, respectively. It also stated that Rs 27.10 lakh has been allocated for self-employment initiatives for surrendered Naxals.
