‘Work according to Constitution’: After Hidma encounter, surrendered Maoist leader Bhupati appeals to cadre

The video comes at a time when the anti-Maoist operation is continuing in Andhra Pradesh’s Alluri Sitarama Raju district, with at least seven Maoists being killed in an exchange of fire on Wednesday morning.

“We have lost a lot while holding weapons; we have had to bear a lot of damage. Today, the world has changed, the country has changed, and circumstances are also changing. Therefore, instead of fighting with weapons, we must abandon our weapons and come amongst the public,” Bhupati urges in the video.

“Working according to the Constitution is the one important option before us. I request all of you to think about this matter,” Bhupati appeals, pointing out that he was reiterating a message he had passed on earlier.

“Please do not ignore this message. You must abandon your weapons and come amongst the common people like us, and work according to the Constitution,” he urges in the video, mentioning a phone number that cadres who wish to lay down their arms and surrender can contact.

Police officials told The Indian Express that there was a feeling among the surrendered cadres in Gadchiroli that it would have been better if Hidma had laid down arms. Officials said that Bhupati was visibly upset since he heard the news of the encounter. According to them, he, too, felt that Hidma could have surrendered and continued working for people within the framework of the Constitution.