Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Jan 11: Tamil Nadu BJP president Annamalai has raised serious concerns over the Naxal surrender process, specifically pointing to doubts surrounding the encounter of Vikram Gowda. Speaking during his visit to Mangaluru at the residence of MLA Vedavyas Kamath ahead of his participation in a literary festival, Annamalai expressed scepticism about the transparency and integrity of the current surrender procedures.

Drawing from his experience in handling Naxal surrenders during his tenure in Chikkamagaluru, Annamalai stated that the process typically involves negotiations, addressing demands, facilitating bank loans, and ensuring that surrendered Naxals face legal cases against them. He alleged that the present process lacks the required transparency and has eroded public trust.

"The surrender and encounter processes seem questionable and need thorough investigation. Whether there is political or government influence is unclear, but the lack of transparency undermines democracy and raises doubts in civil society," he said.

Annamalai emphasized that Naxal surrenders are traditionally handled under the guidance of police and district authorities. He criticized the current approach, suggesting it appears politically motivated and jeopardizes the credibility of such procedures.

"The public must have faith in the Naxal surrender policy, but this instance lacks that trust," he added, warning that welcoming surrenders ‘with a red carpet’ could damage the democratic framework.

Annamalai called for a probe into the process to ensure accountability and restore public confidence.