Post News Network
Malkangiri, Sept 12: A day after 61 Maoist supporters surrendered before the police, 58 more Maoist sympathisers including 12 militia and three village committee members of Orelguda village under Chitrangapali panchayat of Kalimela block surrendered before the police Saturday.
It is considered to be major setback to the Maoists in the district as the police achieved major success in getting the Red supporters into the mainstream in the recent past.
The ultras Saturday surrendered before superintendent of police Mitrabhanu Mohapatra. There are 30 women among the Mao supporters, the SP told the media. Twelve militia, who were part of the group were identified as Sona Marhi, Anda Marhi, Rama Kabasi, Paja Padiami, Padia Kabasi, Bhima Sodi, Padia Sodi, Kasa Padiami, Deba Wanjami, Ganga Kartami and woman militia Bhime Kabasi. The village committee members included Muda Madkami, Jaga Madkami and Sona Madkami. Twenty-nine Maoists followers joined mainstream Friday.
IIC Nanda welcomed all for severing the tie with the Maoists and made them take oath not to resort to the path of violence. The surrendered group was asked to contact Poteru police outpost if they face any problem in future. Blankets, saris, bags and health drinks for children were distributed among the surrendered Mao supporters.
The ultras used to brainwash the youths to hold gun to fight the security forces saying they were fighting for water and the conservation of forest, the group members said, adding, they found the move illegal. This had compelled them to embrace peace instead of violence, they said. The support to the Reds would decline if the government extends them the basic amenities as well as adequate protection, they further added.
Meanwhile SP Mohapatra said, all the rehabilitation package announced by the government would be provided to the surrendered militia and the village committee members.
Among others, DSP Anil Kumar Pradhan, Pramod Kumar Bak, reserve inspector Dambarudhar Honang and Kalimela IIC Bamdev Nanda were present at the press meet.