New Delhi: The last Kannadiga Maoist, Tombattu Lakshmi surrendered before the Udupi district commissioner Vidya Kumari and superintendent of police Arun K at 11am on Sunday. Lakshmi was living in Andhra Pradesh since 2006 with her husband Saleem.
“With surrender of Lakshmi there are no Kannadigas active in Maoist movement,” said Shripal Gowda, a member of State committee meant to oversee the surrender policy of Maoists, to reporters. There were no cases registered against Lakshmi in Andhra Pradesh. In Karnataka, three cases have been filed against her.
Speaking after her surrender in Udupi, Lakshmi said, “I have come into the mainstream after seeing the opportunity provided by the Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah. My village has nothing—no school, no water, no hospital. I have surrendered without any external pressure.”
Lakshmi’s husband surrendered four years ago
Shripal further said, “Her husband Saleem surrendered four years ago. All cases against surrendered Maoists in Andhra Pradesh have been dismissed, and thus her husband Saleem was acquitted. Lakshmi has no cases in Andhra Pradesh, and the necessary legal assistance will be provided for her in Tombattu.”
Udupi district commissioner Dr Vidya Kumari mentioned, “As per the state government’s directive, a surrender package will be provided. There are three categories of surrender packages for Maoists. Residents of our state will receive the A-category package. We have recommended that she be considered under the A-category. There are also opportunities for rehabilitation and educational training. The issues Lakshmi mentioned regarding her village will be addressed.”
Three cases against Tombattu Lakshmi
Udupi district superintendent of police Arun K stated, “Three cases have been registered at the Amasibail Police Station against Lakshmi: a shooting incident in 2007, an assault and intimidation case, and the distribution of pamphlets.”
Saleem, Lakshmi’s husband, said, “There are three cases against Lakshmi. Chief minister Siddaramaiah invited Maoists to surrender, assuring that the cases would be closed, which is why Lakshmi surrendered. I have no cases against me in Karnataka. I am originally from Pavagada Taluk and will settle in Karnataka in the coming days.”
“I married Lakshmi in 2008. I realised there is no benefit in being a Maoist, so I left the movement. It became clear that nothing can be achieved through such means. From 2004 to 2009, I was involved in the Maoist movement, but it is no longer possible to carry on such activities. If you want to lead a movement, do it through the Constitution given by Ambedkar. You can fight for anything according to the Constitution. There is no need to take up arms and go to the forest. You can come out and fight in any way you wish,” he added.
