Bengaluru: One should appreciate the encounter of Naxalites, said Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah who appeared to justify the killing of Maoist leader Vikram Gowda in an encounter with the Anti-Naxal Force (ANF).

Siddaramaiah stated that Gowda faced several criminal cases and chose to ignore the government’s direction to lay down arms and join the mainstream.

Responding to a question on some expressing doubts about the encounter, Siddaramaiah said, “There is a standing order. We have said that if they (Naxals) surrender they will be given all the facilities. He (Gowda) did not surrender. Kerala government had announced Rs 25 lakh reward on him, our government had announced Rs 5 lakh reward.”

“You should appreciate it (the encounter). Should Naxalism remain or go?” he added.

Gowda(46) was killed in an alleged exchange of fire between the ANF and a group of Maoists near Peetabailu village in the Kabbinale area near Hebri of Udupi district.

Gowda was reportedly one of the most wanted Maoist leaders from Karnataka, facing 61 cases, including murder and extortion, in the state and 19 in Kerala.