The Hindu : Kin of kidnapped cops launch fast-unto-death

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, Apr 08, 2003

Southern States

Southern States - Andhra Pradesh

Kin of kidnapped cops launch fast-unto-death

By Our Staff Reporter

ONGOLE APRIL 7. Even as the scene relating to the kidnapping of four policemen episode shifts to the capital the appeals made by different sections of the society to the People's War naxalites for the safe release of the abducted cops are pouring in continuously.

As time goes by, the children and wives of the kidnapped cops are worried about their safety. Though they are hopeful of a positive response from the Government to the naxalites' demands the delay on the part of the Government compelled them to launch a fast-unto-death at Markapur on Monday. About 50 women of fellow police families and women organisations also sat in dharna in support of them.

From the day one, exhorting the militants to set free the cops--employees, workers, teachers, police associations and various people's organisations took out processions and rallies. They said since the kidnapped policemens' families were undergoing so much mental agony and anguish the naxalites should release them immediately.

Among the four abducted policemen, the Pedaraveedu SI, P. Anjaneyulu, and the ASI, M. Subba Rao, are reaching superannuation and their health condition also is not so good. And, all the kidnapped personnel were never connected with anti-extremist operations. Hence, they should be released under humanitarian grounds, they said.

A rally was held under the aegis of all mainstream political parties and people's organisations at Markapur on April 3 urging the naxalites not to harm the policemen in their captivity. People from Giddalur, Komarolu, Racherla and Bestavaripet attended the rally.

The appeals inscribed on placards held by children of the kidnapped policemen and their wives in the rally were heart-rending. They read: "Annalara maa kanneeti vedanalu chuudandi. Maa nannalanu vadalandi.''

Employees, teachers and workers led by the Andhra Pradesh NGOs' Association held a demonstration on April 4 to condemn the cops' kidnap. Speaking on the occasion, the association district president, Sk. Basheer, felt that it would be improper on the part of the naxalites to kidnap the Government employees. He requested the naxalites not to make the employees scapegoats in their fight against the Government.

Besides the Telugu Desam, the Congress, the BJP and the Left parties passed resolutions calling upon the militants for the safe release of the policemen. The Andhra Pradesh Police Association called on the victim families and consoled them. The association president, B. Mahaboob Basha who visited Markapur was of the view that the People's War demands were unreasonable. He said the matter relating to the release of the prisoners lies in the court's purview and the Government could do nothing on it.

Referring to the naxalites' demand of suspension of Atmakur Deputy SP, Madhava Chary, he said if he was found guilty he would be punished by the Government.

Similarly, the district SC, ST, BC and minority federation, Kapu sangham, the United Teachers' Federation, Giddalur unit, SC Welfare Association and the APCLC expressed concern over the safety of the abducted men. They appealed to the naxals to release them unscathed. Some former naxalites also joined them in appealing to the militants.

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Kin of kidnapped cops launch fast-unto-death