700 Maoist supporters from AOB surrender at Odisha's Andrahal BSF camp
Those who surrendered are from the villages located on the Odisha-AP border and were the erstwhile stronghold of Maoists.
By Newsmeter Network Published on 17 Sep 2022 12:54 PM GMT
Andhra Pradesh: More than 700 active Maoist supporters, including 300 militias from the Andhra-Odisha border, surrendered before the Malkangiri police and BSF (border security force) at the Andrahal BSF camp. They surrendered in the presence of Rajesh Pandit, DIG, south-west range; Nitesh Wadhwani, Malkangiri superintendent of police; Madan Lal, DIG, BSF, Koraput; and Jagdish Dalai, the second-in-command of 65 battalion of BSF.
Those who surrendered are from the villages of Bhajaguda, Biseiguda, Khalguda, Patraput, Ondeipadar, Sambalpur and Sindhiput of Andrahal GP, PS Mudulipada (Khairput block) of Malkangiri district, and Padalput, Kusumput, Matamput and Jodigumma villages of Rangbel GP, Munchingput PS of Alluri Sitharam Raju district of Andhra Pradesh. All these villages are located on the Odisha-AP border and were the erstwhile stronghold of Maoists. These Maoist supporters used to assist in violent activities and were involved in the killing of security forces and civilians. They were also supplying logistics to them.
The surrendered Maoist militias/supporters of Odisha and bordering AP exhibited their opposition towards the Maoist ideology by burning the dress materials and effigies of Maoists and shouting slogans "Maobadi Murdabad Ama Sarkar Jindabad" before a large group of media before surrendering.
Development activities by the government
Development initiatives started by the state government coupled with the strategic deployment of security forces inspired the villagers to join the mainstream, according to a release issued by DIG Rajesh Pandit. A series of development works like the construction of new roads, bridges, medical facilities, installation of mobile towers, and a project to supply drinking water and electricity to all the houses in the area motivated them to join the mainstream and partake in the development process, it said. This has created a huge impact in the area and many more are considering "Ghar Wapasi" in the future.
Earlier, on 2 June, 50 active hardcore Maoist supporters had surrendered before DGP, Odisha. On 11 June, 347 Maoist supporters surrendered before the Malkangiri police and BSF at Jantri BSF camp and on 22 August, 550 supporters surrendered before the Malkangiri police and BSF at Janbai BSF camp.
