Odisha: Over 700 Maoist Supporters Join Mainstream

Malkangiri: Moved by the development works of the Odisha Government, more than 700 active Maoist supporters including 300 militias have joined the mainstream on Saturday.

The Maoist supporters of villages Bhajaguda, Biseiguda, Khalguda, Patraput, Ondeipadar, Sambalpur & Sindhiput of Andrahal GP, PS Mudulipada (Khairput Block) of Malkangiri District and Padalput, Kusumput, Matamput and Jodigumma villages of Rangbel GP, Munchingput PS of Alluri Sitharam Raju District of Andhra Pradesh surrendered before Malkangiri police and BSF at Andrahal BSF camp in presence of Rajesh Pandit, DIG, S.W.R., Koraput, Nitesh Wadhwani, SP, Malkangiri and Madan Lal, DIG, BSF, Koraput and Jagdish Dalai, 2 IC, 65 Bn of BSF.

All these villages are located in the Odisha-AP border and was the erstwhile stronghold of Maoists. These Maoist supporters used to assist in the violent activities andwere involved in killing of security forces, civilians. They were also supplying logistics to them, according to a statement issued by the Odisha police.

The surrendered militias and supporters of Odisha and bordering AP exhibited their opposition towards the Maoist ideology by burning the dress materials and effigies of Maoists and gave slogans “Maobadi Murdabad Ama Sarkar Jindabad” before a large group of media before surrendering.

Developmental initiatives of the State Government coupled with the strategic deployment of security forces inspired the villagers to join the mainstream. Series of developmental works like construction of new roads, bridges, Medical facilities, installation of mobile towers, project to supply drinking water, electricity to all the houses of the area motivated them to join the mainstream and partake in the development process.

Earlier on 02.06.2022, 50 active hard core Maoist supportershad surrendered before the Odisha DGP. On 11.06.2022, 347 Maoist supporters had surrendered before Malkangiri police & BSF at Jantri BSF Camp and on 22.08.2022, 550 supporters had surrendered before Malkangiri police & BSF at Janbai BSF Camp and joined mainstream. This has created a huge impact in the area and many more are considering “GHAR WAPASI” in the future.