Maoist morale crumbles: 22 surrender in Odisha after ₹8 crore bounty posters spark fear

Angul (The Uttam Hindu): The anti-Naxal campaign in Odisha has achieved a major and decisive success. Twenty-two dreaded Maoists have surrendered en masse to the Malkangiri police, laying down their arms. This is considered the first and largest surrender by Maoists in the state this year, creating a stir in the Red Corridor. Police officials say this success is the result of increased pressure from security forces and strategic psychological warfare.

According to police sources, those who surrendered include several important officials of the organization. These include a divisional committee member, six auxiliary committee and sub-committee members, and 15 party members. The government had announced bounties ranging from ₹5.5 lakh to ₹27.5 lakh on these Naxalites. Police say that just last week, posters of Maoists carrying bounties worth more than ₹8 crore were pasted across the district and in public places. These posters not only informed about the bounties but also appealed for a surrender policy and a safe life. This move created fear and confusion among Maoist cadres, resulting in this mass surrender.

It is noteworthy that Maoists still hold sway in Odisha's Kalahandi, Kandhamal, Balangir, Koraput, Nabarangpur, Nuapada, and Rayagada districts. The districts bordering Chhattisgarh, in particular, are considered Maoist strongholds. However, sustained action by security agencies has broken their back. The district administration has clarified that all Maoists returning to the mainstream will be provided financial assistance, skills training, and other necessary facilities under the state government's rehabilitation policy. Director General of Police (DGP) Yogesh Bahadur Khurana is expected to share detailed information in this regard soon.