Days after the killing of two TDP leaders - Araku assembly constituency sitting MLA Kidari Sarveswara Rao and ex-MLA Siveri Soma allegedly by Naxals, Andhra CM Chandrababu Naidu visited the families of the slain TDP men on Friday and paid tributes. He informed the media that the government will give Rs 1 crore compensation and Group 1 cadre post to the family members. He also assured that the party would extend financial assistance to the family members.
Condemning the Naxal violence while interacting with family members of MLA Kidari in Araku, Naidu said that he was appalled at the killings and said, “Leadership is essential for tribal people, Naxalites should remember this.”
"I could not digest the fact that Kidari Sarveswara Rao was killed, he always wanted to develop the tribes of Araku and agency areas on par with others. He used to show a lot of interest in infrastructure development and housing, income development of the tribal people and education in the area.”
Naidu said that there is no space for violence in democracy while adding, "It is saddening for him to have been killed like this. He was brutally killed on his way to a public welfare function. With this (act), democracy won't get strengthened, rather people will lose the leaders who are serving them and tribal people will face injustice. I condemn this act of killing - I strongly say that it is not a fair method."
While stating that Kidari Someshwar Rao was a committee leader who worked for the development of the tribal people, Naidu said, "He was always ahead in reaching out to people, he had determination and zeal to develop this tribal area."
When the media asked Naidu about alleged lapses in standard security protocol with regard to the slain leaders, he said that the government will inspect the lapses if any and would review with officials concerned.
He also ruled out allegations of illegal mining quarries being the reason behind the killings.
Naidu said that he and TDP will work towards achieving the ideals of Kidari Someshwar Rao and would provide all assistance to his family.
Security was stepped up in Araku in view of Naidu’s visit. Home Minister Chinna Rajappa and DGP RP Thakur along with district authorities accompanied the CM.
Meanwhile, Araku valley and neighbouring stretches of Andhra-Odisha Border are said to be witnessing massive combing operations by the state and central armed forces. Vishakapatanam Rural SP Rahul Dev Sharma earlier told TNM that intensified search operations were launched in the area.