The week-long ceasefire announced by the state government for the Maoists to surrender has brought hope to the parents and family members of the ultras who have been waiting for long for their wards to return to the mainstream. Some of the Maoists have not contacted their families for more than a decade now.
“In the name of movement, Krishnamurthy has been wandering in the forests for almost 10 years. But what could he achieve? Instead of being in the forest, it is better if he uses the opportunity extended by the state government and return to society,” Mr Bukkadibail Gopalaiah, father of Maoist leader B.G. Krishnamurthy, told Deccan Chronicle. Mr Gopalaiah lives with his wife Susheelamma in a small house in Bukkadibail, about 7 km from Nemmar. Krishnamurthy is said to be heading the Maoist unit in the Western Ghats. His prominence increased after the death of Saketh Rajan in 2005. The government has announced `5 lakh reward on his head.
“If Krishnamurthy feels that people are suffering, let him fight against injustice. I do not say he should stop his fight. But let him come out of the forest and fight legally. Then he will get the public support too,” he added. “What has he achieved by fighting from the forest? We hope he will come back and join the mainstream,” Mr Gopalaiah added.
Similar is the story of the family members of Maoist leaders Savithri and Kanyakumari. Kanyakumari is one of the most wanted Maoists with a Rs 5 lakh price on her head, while Savithri, Kanyakumari’s niece, has Rs 1 lakh price.“We have come to know, through the media, that the Maoists have opted to surrender and the state government has declared the ceasefire. It is better if the Maoists take up this offer and surrender,” Ms Yashoda, Kanyakumari’s sister, said.
Ms Yashoda too was arrested by the police for allegedly toeing the Maoist line during the first encounter in Edu village of Udupi district in 2003 and acquitted by the court in 2011.