Phulbani: In a major success for security forces, three Maoists, including two women, surrendered in Odisha’s Kandhamal district on Monday.
The three were believed to have decided to give up arms and surrender before the security forces following intensified anti-Maoist operations in the region and disillusionment.
Inspector General of Police (Southern Range), Niti Sekhar said the surrendered Maoists were identified as Maade Beti alias Champa, Raju Dodi alias Ajaya, and Adamo Madhavi alias Manju. All three belonged to the Chhattisgarh cadre and were active in the Kalahandi, Kandhamal, and Boudh districts of Odisha.
The three were allegedly involved in several anti-development and extremist activities in the region, he said.
As per the rehabilitation policies of both the Central and State Governments, the surrendered Maoists will be provided support and reintegrated into the social mainstream.
This development comes close on the heels of the killing of two Maoists in an exchange of fire with security forces in Baliguda area of the district.
Stating that the Maoist presence in the region is weakening due to consistent anti-Maoist operations, the IG said their number in Kandhamal, Boudh, and Kalahandi districts has now dwindled to around 50.