Hyderabad: Chief minister A Revanth Reddy on Tuesday made a direct appeal to Maoist leader Muppala Lakshmana Rao alias Ganapathi to return to the mainstream, assuring full support, protection and medical care from govt.Speaking after laying the foundation for Future City police commissionerate building at Meerkhanpet in Rangareddy district, the CM said the govt was committed to improving the lives of tribal and rural communities and urged those involved in extremist activities to realise that their struggle has been fruitful, with youth from tandas and villages getting educated and their standard of living improved.Revanth said 814 Maoists had already surrendered and joined the mainstream since the Congress govt came into office in Telangana. Referring specifically to Ganapathi, he said the state was aware of his deteriorating health and was ready to provide all necessary medical assistance, security and safety to his life. “I am appealing to Ganapathi and all others who are yet to surrender to do it and join the mainstream,” Revanth said.Revanth stressed that continuing armed struggle would only hinder development in tribal areas, while govt was working to provide employment, housing and livelihood opportunities to Adivasi youth.Highlighting initiatives like the ‘Giri Darshak’ programme, he said efforts were being made to empower tribal youth through tourism and skill development, enabling them to become active partners in the state’s growth.The CM gave appointment letters to 20 tribal youth who have been trained as tourist guides as part of ‘Giri Darshak’ programme, which aims at training more youth, mostly former Maoist cadre, as tourist guides with a monthly salary. This programme is a joint initiative of police, tourism, forest and other departments.He reiterated that a people-centric govt was in place and called upon those still in forests to rejoin society, assuring comprehensive rehabilitation and support, which was one of the best in Telangana.
