Has Odisha Achieved a Significant Milestone in its Anti-Maoist Campaign with 19 Cadres Surrendering?
Synopsis
In a landmark achievement for Odisha's anti-Maoist operations, 19 Maoists have surrendered in Rayagada and Kandhamal districts. This pivotal development, as reported by DGP Y.B. Khurania, underscores the state’s commitment to eradicating the Maoist threat and promoting peace through comprehensive rehabilitation efforts.
Key Takeaways
The surrender of 19 Maoists marks a significant step in Odisha's anti-Maoist campaign.
Authorities seized 14 modern weapons during the surrender.
The year 2025 has seen successful operations against Maoism in Odisha.
The Odisha government is focusing on rehabilitation and development in Maoist-affected areas.
There is a renewed appeal for remaining Maoists to surrender before the March 31 deadline.
Bhubaneswar, Feb 6 (NationPress) In a remarkable advancement in the state's initiative against Maoism, 19 Maoists have surrendered in the Rayagada and Kandhamal districts of Odisha, marking a notable step towards the long-cherished objective of liberating the state from the Maoist threat, according to Y.B. Khurania, the Director General of Police (DGP) of Odisha, during a press briefing in Bhubaneswar.
DGP Khurania revealed that 15 Maoists surrendered to the Rayagada police, while four Maoists chose to surrender to the Kandhamal police.
He informed the press that a total of 15 Maoist cadres belonging to the Bansadhara-Ghumsar-Nagabali (BGN) division surrendered in Rayagada district.
Among them, two of the surrendered individuals were prominent members of the State Committee: Niranjan Raut alias Nikhil, from Jagatsinghpur district, and his wife Rashmita Lenka alias Ankita Tangi of Cuttack district.
A reward of Rs 55 lakh had been announced for the Maoist couple.
Additionally, 13 other cadres from the BGN division also surrendered.
Law enforcement seized a total of 14 modern firearms from them, including two AK-47s, five Self-Loading Rifles (SLR), one Sten gun, one INSAS rifle, one .303 rifle, and four single-shot guns.
In Kandhamal, four Maoist cadres, who were affiliated with the Kalahandi-Kandhamal-Boudh-Nayagarh (KKBN) division, also surrendered, renouncing violence.
During their surrender, they handed over firearms, ammunition, and other materials to the police.
The surrendered members also relinquished one SLR, one 12-bore gun, two .303 rifles, and a substantial amount of ammunition.
They were wanted in multiple cases across various police stations in the state.
Speaking to the media, DGP Khurania stated that the year 2025 has been exceptionally fruitful for the Odisha Police in combating Maoist activities.
He announced that two Central Committee Maoist members have been neutralized and claimed that currently, there is no presence of Central Committee Maoist leadership in Odisha. The leadership has been nearly eradicated, with only a few remaining pockets.
He also emphasized that the extensive developmental projects being undertaken in the remote, Maoist-affected areas, coupled with the new surrender and rehabilitation policy introduced by the Odisha government, is motivating Maoists to reintegrate into society.
He expressed optimism that only a handful of ultras are currently operating in the forests of Odisha, particularly in Kandhamal district, and urged them to lay down their arms before the March 31 deadline.
Once again, he appealed to the remaining Maoists in the jungles to surrender and abandon violence, assuring them of necessary support and assistance.
Point of View
This development highlights the tireless efforts of law enforcement to combat Maoism in India. The Odisha government's initiatives, including rehabilitation policies and developmental projects in affected areas, showcase a balanced approach to addressing the issue. While the surrender of these Maoists is a positive sign, continuous monitoring and support are essential to ensure lasting peace and stability in the region.
NationPress
11 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What led to the surrender of the Maoist cadres?
The surrender is attributed to ongoing anti-Maoist efforts by the Odisha government, enhanced rehabilitation policies, and developmental work in remote areas.
What type of weapons were seized during the surrender?
Authorities seized a total of 14 firearms, including two AK-47s, five Self-Loading Rifles, and various other weapons.
Is there an ongoing effort to encourage more Maoists to surrender?
Yes, the Odisha government has implemented new policies and is actively encouraging remaining Maoists to renounce violence and reintegrate into society.
