Special Correspondent

Daijiworld Media Network- Bengaluru

Bengaluru, Nov 14: Opposition BJP has asked Karnataka Governor Vajubhai Rudrabhai Vala to direct the State Government to keep a strict watch over the activities of Naxal activists and their sympathisers.

A delegation led by former BJP Deputy Chief Minister K S Eshwarappa, former Minister C T Ravi and other BJP leaders, which called on the Governor Vala at Raj Bhavan on Friday demanded that the State Government be asked to keep the alleged Naxal supporters away from the proposed process for surrender of Left wing extremists.

Eshwarappa, who is also the Opposition leader in the State Legislative Council, and other BJP leaders claimed that there have been "serious" charges against some persons associated with the state panel on Naxals for allegedly helping the ultras in their activities.

The BJP leaders alleged that journalist Gauri Lankesh and other pro-Naxal activists were active in drumming up support for the Naxalites and other extremist right-wing leaders.

The association of such persons was a cause of concern for civilians of Naxal-affected areas, the delegation said.

The State Government’s move to involve Naxal sympathisers allegedly supporting the Naxal movement raises suspicions about its intentions and the credibility of the state committee, Eshwarappa told reporters after the meeting.

Eshwarappa said the State Government should also initiate a thorough investigation into the relationship between Naxalites and office-bearers of the pro-Naxal organisations.

The BJP leader said the government should make serious efforts to ensure surrender of young and "dangerous" armed Naxalites, instead of those who want to move away from Naxal activities due to their age or health reasons.