Study OAS ·
Karnataka Declared Naxal-Free
Current Affairs in Detail
- Final Surrender: Lakshmi Thombattu, the last active Maoist in Karnataka, surrendered unconditionally on February 2, 2025, in Udupi before Deputy Commissioner Vidya Kumari and Superintendent of Police Arun K. She had three cases against her dating to 2007–2008, including exchange of fire with police, assault, and distributing Maoist literature.
- Rehabilitation Package: Classified under ‘A’ category of Karnataka’s revised surrender policy, Lakshmi is eligible for ₹7 lakh in phased payments, along with education, employment, and skill development support.
- State Milestone: With her surrender, Karnataka was declared “Naxal-free” after 22 Maoists surrendered in 2025 alone. This includes Kotehonda Ravindra, another key Maoist who surrendered earlier in Chikkamagaluru.
- Government Protocol: The surrender followed Karnataka’s revised Naxal Surrender and Rehabilitation Policy (2024), which incentivizes surrenders with financial aid, stipends, and legal assistance. The policy categorizes Naxals into A (armed Karnataka-origin), B (outsiders), and C (supporters).
- CM’s Role: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah awarded the Chief Minister’s Medal to 22 police officers for their role in eliminating Naxalism. He emphasized resolving grievances through constitutional methods.
Other Important Aspects
Surrender Dynamics:
- Catalysts: The surrender surge followed the encounter killing of Maoist leader Vikram Gowda in November 2024 and the government’s assurance of dropping minor charges against surrendered Naxals.
- Demands Addressed: The state addressed Maoist demands, including reviewing environmental policies, investigating encounters, and improving tribal welfare.
Decline of Naxalism in Karnataka:
- Socio-Economic Factors: Improved tribal livelihoods via schemes like MGNREGA, Forest Rights Act, and better wages reduced support for armed struggle.
- Technological Edge: Enhanced surveillance and communication interception weakened Maoist operations.
- Political Shifts: The BJP’s rise in Malnad and coastal regions countered Maoist ideology, while Congress focused on rehabilitation.
Challenges Ahead:
- Unresolved Issues: Land alienation, poor implementation of forest rights, and lack of infrastructure in tribal areas risk future unrest.
- Legal Hurdles: Over 250 pending cases against surrendered Naxals across Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu require fast-track courts for resolution.
Additional Information
- Key Naxal Surrender Policy (2024):
- Category A: ₹7.5 lakh (e.g., Ravindra).
- Category B/C: Lower packages based on involvement.
- Skill Development: ₹5,000/month stipend for training.
- Tribal Demographics: Most surrendered Naxals belong to the Malekudiya tribal community, historically marginalized.
- Geographic Focus: Udupi, Chikkamagaluru, and Shivamogga districts were Naxal hotspots due to dense forests and tribal populations.