The list of naxal sympathisers and supporting institutions has created a controversy.

The list announced without bringing to the notice of Home Minister M P Prakash also includes veteran farmer leader Kadidal Shamanna and other intellectuals.

Prakash is not happy with the inclusion of Shamanna’s name in the list as they are both childhood friends. Speaking to Deccan Herald over phone Mr Prakash said, he learnt of the announced list only through papers.
“ Mahima Patel is also unhappy about the inclusion of farmer leaders and intellectuals in the list” he said.

“Soon after reaching Bangalore I will discuss with senior officials an d scrutinise the list,” he said. Apart from Shamanna, Rajendar Chenni, who is a professor in Kuvempu university and editor of a local news paper Manjunath’s names are also included in the list. This has caused much anguish in the intellectual groups, he said.

Kadidal Shamanna announced that legal action will be taken against the concerned for targeting the pro-people activists and thinkers. Rajendra Chenni said, “We oppose all sorts of violence. We are against violence of naxals, government and communalists.  Targeting those who raise their voice is a typical British strategy.”

Shimoga journalist Manjunath said, “The role of Sangh parivar which supports BJP is evident in preparing the list.

Unhappy

Senior officials expressed their displeasure at including the names of such eminent personalities in the list. Shamanna and other intellectuals are free to speak any philosophy they please.  It is not right to take decisions based on that.It is not wrong to publish names and photos of naxals. But to announce the names of intellectuals as supporters and calling them criminals is not correct,” they said.

Such practices will also hamper naxal control steps. Even during operation  against Veerappan, innocent people were put to risks and tortured, said the  official.