Malkangiri: In view of the detection of COVID-19 cases in the rural belt of Malkangiri, the district police on Wednesday appealed to Maoists, who are reportedly suffering from Covid-19 infection and other diseases, to surrender and get access to free medical treatment.
“From credible sources, we have got information that some top Maoist cadres in Dantewada district of neighboring Chhattisgarh are suffering from Covid-19. Some of them have breathing difficulties and they are unable to move,” said Malkangiri SP Rishikesh Khilari.
“The Red Ultras are putting their lives at risk by not getting treatment and they will also cause potential harm to villagers in Lalgarh and bordering Malkangiri area by spreading the infection. The villagers are not allowing the cadres having cold, cough and fever, symptoms into their area. I appeal to Maoist leaders to surrender and avail free treatment. Police will take care of their treatment. We will also help them in all possible ways to return to the mainstream,” said Khilari adding that no case will be registered against those who will surrender before the police.
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According to sources, as many as 10 Maoists had died in Dantewada over the last fortnight, possibly due to Covid-19 infection. The Malkangiri district administration is worried that the infection could spread to the Mao organisations and villagers in the bordering district.
Meanwhile, panic has reportedly gripped several Maoists camps and many cadres are living in distress.