Why Did Seventeen Maoists Surrender in Telangana's Bhadradri Kothagudem District?

Hyderabad, May 30 (NationPress) Seventeen Maoists operating in the Bijapur and Sukma regions of Chhattisgarh have officially laid down their arms before law enforcement authorities in Telangana's Bhadradri Kothagudem district on Friday.

The individuals, part of the outlawed CPI-Maoist group, surrendered in the presence of Superintendent of Police Rohit Raju and CRPF officials at the district's police headquarters.

According to law enforcement, the group included two members from the Area Committee, four party affiliates, and eleven militia members who opted to abandon the path of violence to embrace a peaceful existence with their families.

They chose to surrender after becoming aware of the welfare initiatives aimed at those who relinquish their arms, as well as the development programs available for the Adivasi (tribal) community under the “Operation Cheyutha” scheme, implemented by police in Bhadradri Kothagudem, which borders Chhattisgarh.

The SP revealed that a total of 282 Maoists from various factions have surrendered this year alone, drawn by the numerous schemes and programs initiated by the district police.

The police official cautioned that CPI-Maoist members are still active in the border areas between Telangana and Chhattisgarh, advising local residents in these border villages to refrain from cooperating with the insurgents under any circumstances. “If villagers detect any Maoist activity, they should promptly alert the nearest police station or higher authorities,” he stated.

The SP also noted that recently, the police in Mulugu district apprehended twenty CPI-Maoist members and confiscated twelve weapons based on tips from the local populace.

In a bid to encourage the surrender of CPI-Maoist members, the Bhadradri Kothagudem police, representing the Telangana government, is offering suitable rewards to those who voluntarily choose to reintegrate into society. The long-term rehabilitation plans for the surrendered members from Chhattisgarh are being coordinated by the Telangana Police in collaboration with their counterparts in Chhattisgarh.

The SP issued a warning that any CPI-Maoist entering Telangana will not find refuge from state law enforcement, as local residents are acutely aware and skeptical of outdated ideologies. He highlighted that in recent confrontations, including at Karreguttalu, thirty-one Maoists lost their lives.

He assured that for Maoists wishing to surrender and lead peaceful lives with their families by reintegrating into society, the district police administration will guarantee that all available benefits for livelihood and rehabilitation are provided without delay.