Maoist couple chooses peace: Nikhil Raut, wife among 15 ultras who surrendered in Odisha

In a major breakthrough in Odisha’s fight against left-wing extremism, top Maoist leader Nikhil alias Niranjan Raut surrendered before the Rayagada police along with his wife Indu alias Ankita on Wednesday. The surrender marks a significant success for security forces operating in the region.

Speaking exclusively to OTV, Raut said, “On Jan 23, we had put forward our demands to the Home department of the State through the media. We had four demands to join the social mainstream: allow us to continue life democratically, not include us in any awareness program against Maoists, to keep their promise of all the help extended by the government to help us join the mainstream, and lastly, not suppress democratic protests by the suppressed people.”

No Throttling Of Democratic Voices

“Our leader, Azad, had surrendered after promises by the government. But he is in jail now. Likewise, Sabyasachi is also in jail. So, the government should keep its promise. And most importantly, they should not suppress the voice of democracy. We took the violent path, but there are still silent protests going on democratically. However, the government is imposing Sec 144, arresting leaders. So, we demand that the government stop these undemocratic activities,” he added.

Also Read: Top Maoist leader Nikhil, wife Indu surrender in Odisha

Likewise, his wife Indu said, “We are a democratic country. But, after experiencing unimaginable atrocities against the poor, the needy, Dalits, Adivasis, and women, and the growing inequality in society had forced to take the violent way. We first joined this as students and continued with a hope of bringing a change in society.”

Inequality In Society Continues

“Although the inequality continues, we have still tried to bring a change in society. Instead of violence, now, we have chosen the democratic path and will continue to do so,” she added.

Meanwhile, police officials confirmed that a total of 15 Maoists laid down their arms as part of the surrender, including seven women cadres, indicating a growing impact of the state government’s surrender and rehabilitation policy. The group reportedly had been active in Maoist operations across parts of southern Odisha.