With surrender of last 6 Maoists, Karnataka set to be free of red trouble

Chikkamagaluru: The stage is set for the return of six Maoists to the mainstream, signalling the near-complete end to the movement in Karnataka.

The extremist movement in the state began in Bidar, but it left a deeper mark in Chikkamagaluru district. The movement, it may be said, is on its final leg, with the last group of six agreeing to surrender.

From Bidar, the movement spread to Raichur and Kalaburagi districts. For over a decade, Raichur remained the focal point of the armed struggle.

“Around the year 2000, the movement shifted to the forest regions, as sustaining a prolonged people’s war in open areas was challenging. The ultras believed that areas where people face exploitation and those near forests were ideal for expansion, prompting them to focus on Malnad,” recall former Maoists.

As a result, the movement intensified along the forest fringes of Chikkamagaluru, Udupi, and Dakshina Kannada districts.

Individuals involved in various other movements in these regions eventually joined the Maoist cause. In 2002, the first sign of armed activity in Malnad emerged when a bullet accidentally hit a woman named Cheeramma during training in Menasinahadya village, Koppa taluk. The incident came to light when she sought medical help.

Subsequent protests against the expansion of the Kudremukh national park created further opportunities for the movement to take roots. As tribal communities faced displacement in the name of national parks, young people were drawn to the movement.

In 2005, Maoist leaders Saket Rajan and Shivalingu were killed in police encounters.

Over time, the movement waned in Karnataka, while it expanded into Kerala and Tamil Nadu.

Recently, several Maoists from Kerala were arrested and their connection to the national executive committee was severed.

Among the remaining ultras, most hailed from Karnataka. They have now decided to give up arms and return home.

“They thought that forest dwellers’ issues here might provide a platform for expansion. They managed to get food and water, but the support needed to sustain the fight was lacking. They were advised to continue their struggle through mainstream channels. Meanwhile, Vikram Gowda was killed in an encounter and health issues began affecting others. All these factors contributed to their decision to surrender,” said sources.

Across 3 states

Almost all Maoists who took up arms in Karnataka are set to return. Only Kotevunda Ravi remains untraceable. Officials believe that with the return of the six, the movement will effectively end across three states.