Bhubaneswar, 11 March (H.S.): In a significant setback to the banned CPI (Maoist) organization, ten underground CPI (Maoist) cadres surrendered to the Kandhamal Police, renouncing violence and opting to reintegrate into mainstream society.

During the surrender, the cadres handed over firearms, ammunition, and other materials. They formally renounced all forms of violence, severed ties with extremist activities, and expressed faith in the democratic process.

The surrendered cadres have been identified as: Sanu Pottam alias Nitu, State Committee Member of KKBN Division; Santaei Salam alias Anupa, Divisional Committee Member of the same division; Laxmi Madvi alias Sangita, Area Committee Member; Sunil Telam, Area Committee Member; Manjula Punem alias Silpa, party member; Rambati Oyam alias Jamuna, party member; Ganesh Kunjam, party member; Susila Dudi, party member; Sarita Kuhudam, party member; and Chodi Yogi alias Rajni, party member.

The surrender ceremony was organized by Odisha Police at the Reserve Police Ground in Phulbani. Senior officials present included Sanjeeb Panda, Additional Director General of Police (Anti-Naxal Operations), DIG SIW Akhileshvar Singh, South-Western Range DIG Neeti Shekhar, IG Operations Deepak Kumar, CRPF IG Amitendranath Sinha, DIG CRPF Dilip Singh, ASP Ramendra Prasad, Baliguda SDPO Bhosle Smaran Sanjay, and Kandhamal SP Harisha B.C.

Speaking to the media, ADG Sanjeeb Panda stated, “Ten Maoists, including a State Committee Member, a Divisional Committee Member, two Area Committee Members, and six party members, have surrendered to the police. Originating from Chhattisgarh, they have surrendered ten firearms along with other ammunition. The total reward for these cadres amounted to Rs 1.15 crore.”

He added, “Districts including Nabarangapur, Balangir, Koraput, Malkangiri, Nuapada, and Boudh have now become Naxal-free. Our next objective is to clear the border areas of Kandhamal, Kalahandi, and Rayagada districts of Naxal influence. Approximately 25 Maoists are active in these areas, and we appeal to them to renounce violence and join mainstream society.”

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda