Synopsis
On March 5, Karnataka's LoP R. Ashoka shared his terrifying experience of visiting a Maoist-influenced area, feeling like a criminal while being escorted by police. He highlighted the perils faced by villagers in such regions and questioned the sudden surrender of Maoists.Key Takeaways
- Ashoka described his visit as terrifying.
- He was treated like a criminal by police forces.
- The experience highlighted the fear faced by locals in Maoist regions.
- Concerns were raised about the sudden surrender of Maoists.
- The situation raises questions about the urban Naxal phenomenon.
Bengaluru, March 5 (NationPress) Former minister and Karnataka Leader of the Opposition (LoP) R. Ashoka described his experience in a Maoist-affected area of Karnataka’s Chikkamagaluru district as disturbing.
He revealed that, despite his ministerial status, he was escorted by police to his location as if he were a criminal.
Ashoka recounted his experience during the Legislative Session on Wednesday while discussing the Governor’s address to the joint assembly.
“During my visit to BJP MLA Sunil Kumar’s constituency, Karkala in Udupi district, as the Health Minister, the Superintendent of Police (SP) and other officials approached me, instructing me to turn off the siren on my vehicle. They also requested that the vehicle’s lights be switched off. Surprised by their directive, I inquired whether they couldn’t provide security for a minister. They folded their hands and implored me to comply. I had no option but to proceed to my destination like a criminal,” Ashoka expressed.
“I had to journey nearly 60 kilometers under such conditions. That was my experience as a minister. Later, I was housed at a guest lodge deep in the woods. Sunil Kumar could have arranged for me to stay closer to his residence,” Ashoka reminisced.
At this moment, Home Minister G. Parameshwara interjected, humorously asking if Ashoka still regarded Sunil Kumar as a friend after that event. Ashoka affirmed that he would always be considered a friend.
Ashoka also mentioned: “There were 200 police personnel stationed one kilometer away from the guest lodge. When I looked up from the bed, I noticed the roof was made of tiles. If someone had fired a shot, my life would have been in jeopardy. That night, I could not sleep; I was startled by the slightest noise. I spent the entire night seated in a chair. The situation was incredibly frightening. If I, as a minister, experienced such terror, imagine the suffering of those residing in villages and deep within the forest.”
“And now, the same individuals who previously terrorized villagers at gunpoint have suddenly surrendered. Who would believe this? That is precisely what BJP MLA Sunil Kumar aims to convey in the House,” Ashoka stated.
Sunil Kumar had previously criticized the Congress-led government regarding the abrupt surrender of Naxals in front of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.
Ashoka further commented that as soon as the government made the call, all the Maoists surrendered simultaneously.
“This raises significant doubts. If they had voluntarily come forward and surrendered, no one would have questioned it. However, the so-called “urban Naxals” who sympathize with them are even more perilous,” he added.
