Malkangiri: In a major jolt to the Maoist movement in the Left Wing Extremist (LWE) hit Malkangiri district, more than 250 Maoist sympathisers surrendered before Mathili Police on Sunday.
As per reports, the disillusioned militias in Mahupadar area of the district surrendered in a function organized by Mathili police in Hatapada.
Notably, Mahupadar has traditionally been a stronghold of the Maoists who so far found it easy to brainwash the gullible villagers sans any Government programme in the area to raise their standard of living.
However, the situation is said to have improved with the establishment of a permanent BSF camp which has been instrumental in bringing back the Maoist sympathisers to mainstream.
Police also distributed blankets and dresses to the surrendered militias to help them cope with this bone chilling winter.
Recently, a woman Maoist carrying a bounty of Rs 1 lakh on her head had surrendered before Rayagada police alleging discrimination by the ultras for her being a woman.