Two women Maoists surrender in Odisha

They were associated with the banned outfit since 2018. “They were working in CPI (Maoist) organisation since 2018 and were involved in several violent incidents both in Chhattisgarh and Odisha state. They have surrendered to live a normal life,” said IG, southern range, JN Pankaj.

Police said that according to the surrendered Maoists, they were frustrated by the continuous unethical activities in the Maoist organisation like sexual harassment of female cadre, extortion of funds through intimidation and induction of young boys and girls in the organisation by false promises and propaganda.

“They also expressed that they were disillusioned by the high-handed activities and rude behaviour of senior leaders towards the lower-rank cadre, encouraging cannabis cultivation and trade and disruption of electoral processes,” said a police officer.

The Boudh police has assured the surrendered cadres that they will be suitably rehabilitated under the surrender and rehabilitation scheme of the Odisha government, which includes financial assistance, homestead land, house-building assistance, education assistance and vocational training with monthly stipend.

Police added that 10-12 CPI (Maoist) members from its Chhattisgarh unit have fled the camp in the last two months. “We are trying to establish contact with them. They have also given us information about the nexus of Maoist in narcotics trade and other extortion activities. We appeal to all disillusioned cadres who have chosen the wrong path by misleading propaganda, to come forward and surrender before us,” said Pankaj.

Pankaj said the anti-Maoist operation will be further intensified in the affected areas till the problem is completely stamped out from the state.