Odisha: Maoist Surrenders in Kandhamal

Kandhamal: A Maoist has surrendered before the police in Kandhamal district on Sunday.

The surrendered Maoist has been identified as Ashok alias Ashok Pune (29), belonging to Bijapur district of Chhattisgarh.

Ashok, an Area Committee Member of KKBN Division, Odisha State Committee, is suspected to have involved in many LWE related incidents.

After seeing lot of developmental activities being undertaken by the Odisha Government, Ashok realized the futility of violent path of Naxalism and thus decided to join the mainstream.

He surrendered before Superintendent of Police, Kandhamal Vinit Agarwal on Sunday.

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik had given a call to active Naxals and militia for surrendering and becoming part of mainstream and be a part of the developmental initiatives. This appeal of Chief Minister coupled with the good surrender and rehabilitation policy of the State Government has also influenced Ashok to give up the path of violence and to join the mainstream.

Establishment of new COBs in interior areas of Kandhamal District is obstructing and preventing movement and activities of Naxals. Regular Anti Naxalite Operation in Maoist infested areas of Kandhamal district and subsequent continuous fear of police action also contributed to his surrender.

Regular movement in the tough, tedious and irregular terrain of forest in Kandhamal district discouraged him to remain in party, the police said.

The surrendered Maoist feels that there is no reason to continue the guerilla warfare and mindless violence by the Maoists as people are no longer supporting them and increasingly resisting them.

He also appealed to the Maoist cadres to give up arms and join the main stream.

Ashok will be provided get monetary assistance as per the Surrender and Rehabilitation Scheme of Government of Odisha. He will also get financial assistance for building house, pursuing studies and getting training in a trade/vocation of his will, the police said.