Karnataka: In a significant development, Karnataka’s last Naxalite Lakshmi surrenders, bringing an end to decades of insurgency in the state. Lakshmi, who had been an active part of the Naxalite movement for over 15 years, surrendered before Udupi Deputy Commissioner Vidya Kumari and Superintendent of Police Arun K. This event is considered a major success in Karnataka’s ongoing efforts to eliminate Naxal influence from the region.
Who is Lakshmi?
Lakshmi, originally from Thombattu in Machchattu village, Kundapura taluk, joined the Naxalite movement in the early 2000s. Over the years, she became a prominent figure in spreading Maoist ideology in the Chikkamagaluru and Udupi districts. Karnataka’s last Naxalite Lakshmi surrenders after years of underground activity, marking a crucial turning point in the state’s fight against left-wing extremism.
She had been hiding in Andhra Pradesh for the past few years, continuing to work for the Naxalite cause. However, increasing pressure from security forces and a growing push for rehabilitation programs led to her surrender.
Several criminal cases had been registered against Lakshmi at the Amasebail and Shankaranarayana police stations in Udupi district. These cases, dating back to 2007-08, include allegations of attacking security personnel, exchanging fire with police, and distributing Maoist propaganda.
The surrender process was facilitated by the Karnataka State Naxal Surrender Committee. Lakshmi was accompanied by her husband, Salim, a former Naxalite who had previously surrendered in 2020 in Andhra Pradesh.
With Karnataka’s last Naxalite Lakshmi surrenders, the state is now officially declared “Naxal-free.” This declaration highlights the success of Karnataka’s security forces and government initiatives aimed at dismantling extremist networks.
Authorities believe that this surrender will encourage any remaining sympathizers to reintegrate into society through the government’s rehabilitation programs. Senior police officials and political leaders have emphasized that the focus will now be on ensuring that former insurgents are rehabilitated and provided with opportunities for a new life.
Sripal, a key member of the Karnataka State Naxal Surrender Committee, hailed Lakshmi’s decision to surrender, calling it a step towards peace. “Now that Karnataka’s last Naxalite Lakshmi surrenders, we can say that the state is free from organized Naxal activities. It is a moment of relief for security forces and the people of Karnataka,” he said.
Government officials are now working on fast-tracking the legal proceedings related to surrendered Naxalites and ensuring that they can be reintegrated into mainstream society through employment and welfare programs.
The surrender of Karnataka’s last active Naxalite marks a historic milestone in the state’s internal security landscape. The government now aims to strengthen its efforts in addressing the root causes of extremism, including economic disparities and social injustices, to prevent future insurgencies.
As Karnataka moves forward, the priority remains maintaining peace and ensuring that those who have left the path of violence find support to rebuild their lives. With Karnataka’s last Naxalite Lakshmi surrenders, the state takes a significant step towards lasting stability and development.
