As many as 500 active members of Maoist militia, who are generally unarmed villagers, and act as sympathisers, informers, and aides of Red rebels surrendered before Malkangiri Superintendent of Police and Deputy Inspector of General (DIG) of Border Security Force (BSF) at Swabhiman Anchal of Malkangiri district on Monday.
Swabhiman Anchal’s image has changed with ultras joining mainstream of society every year. Attracted by government’s welfare schemes, the militia members gave up weapons to join mainstream of society and spent quality time with their families, police sources revealed.
Irked over the unabated Maoist violence in their localities and after being sandwiched between the police and the Maoists, the villagers preferred to surrender before the police, sources added.
Malkangiri SP and BSF DIG gave them a warm welcome and presented gifts for joining the mainstream of the society.
Apart from giving slogan ‘Maobadi Murdabad, the militia members burnt effigies of ultras and took oath not to join Red rebels ever.
Praising the efforts of militia activists, BSF DIG SK Sinha said, “They have taken a good step. By doing so they not only helped themselves but helped their families and the localities they belong to. BSF police, state government and Central government must be given credit for it. Many developmental projects in their region like school construction of school building and construction of mobile tower will be carried out speedily without delay.”
A surrendered Maoist supporter said, “We are really happy after joining the mainstream. We have never supported the state government. From now towards, we would always extend our support to government. The government is really doing needful for us. So, we would love to work for our village.”
Another lady ultra supporter said, “A meeting was held in which we were felicitated and women Maoist supporters were given sarees. It was a great moment for us.”
Malkangiri superintendent Nitesh Wadhwani said, “Earlier, this area had witnessed many Maoist activities till April end. Now, this region hardly registers naxal-related incidents because villagers have developed faith on state government over the period. They believe that the state government is helping them. The government is coming up with school, hospital and road for their wellbeing.”
Giving more information about it, Odisha Director General of Police (DGP) Sunil Kumar Bansal tweeted, “After surrender of 295 Maoists supporters before the police on 11.06.2022 another 500 of Ralegada GP, surrendered before the Malkangiri Police & @BSF today. They were motivated by developmental works of Odisha Govt.”