A day after the horrific killing of Andhra MLA Kidari Sarveswara Rao and ex-MLA Siveri Soma, their last rites and funeral procession were held in Andhra’s Araku Valley amidst tight security.

Several noted personalities came to pay their respects to the late MLAs.

Home Minister Chinna Rajappa, present at the occasion spoke to the media, “It is very sad that Maoists killed Kidari, he worked relentlessly for the upliftment of tribals. The government and the party will assist the families of the deceased by any means possible.”

Tribal Welfare Minister Pasupuleti Balraju who was also present consoled the families of the victims. SC Commission Chairman Karem Shivaji, who was also there, condemned the killings of the two politicians.

Minister Ayyanna Patrudu also offered his condolences to the grieving families and stated that the government would ensure that the families of the deceased would be taken care of, “Their loss is a huge loss to the tribals,” he stated to the media present.

Others in attendance included Minister of Human Resources Development Ganta Srinivas Rao and MRPS Founder President Manda Krishna Madiga.  

Addressing the press, Madiga said, “It is saddening to hear of the murders of the Adivasi leaders. The government and Maoists should come forward for peace talks and put an end to such violence.”

The two politicians were gunned down in Araku Valley’s Dumbriguda mandal, in Visakhapatnam district, on Sunday, when they were travelling back from attending a party function.

On Monday, police released the images of the three naxals speculated to be behind the attack on the MLAs. Visakhapatnam Rural SP Rahul Dev Sharma had stated that search operations were underway in the region and that the suspected were yet to be nabbed by the police.

Siveri Soma’s last rites were conducted in Battivalasa of Araku, while Kidari Sarveswara Rao’s were held in Paderu.

Many followers of the leaders participated in the procession.