Bhubaneswar: Two women members associated with the outlawed Communist Party of India (Maoist) voluntarily surrendered their arms to the Odisha Police in Boudh district on Tuesday, signaling their decision to renounce insurgency and embrace the mainstream, announced IGP (Southern Range) Jai Narayan Pankaj.
Identified as Manisha Thati and Champa Koram, both hailing from Bijapur district in neighboring Chhattisgarh, the surrendered Maoists were formerly affiliated with the Kandhamal-Kalahandi-Boudh-Nayagarh (KKBN) division of the CPI (Maoist).
According to IGP Pankaj, Manisha and Champa had been actively involved with the Maoist organization for the past five years, operating within the KKBN division. Their decision to lay down arms and surrender marks a significant shift away from insurgency towards peaceful integration into society.
The surrender comes amidst intensified efforts by security forces to counter Maoist activities in the region. The KKBN division, notably active in Boudh and Kandhamal areas over the past six months, has been engaged in multiple skirmishes with security personnel during this period.
Highlighting the significance of the surrender, IGP Pankaj emphasized the commitment of law enforcement agencies to encourage Maoist cadres to relinquish violence and embrace lawful means of existence. He underscored the importance of rehabilitation and reintegration programs aimed at facilitating the return of former insurgents to mainstream society.
The decision by Manisha and Champa to surrender reflects a growing disillusionment among Maoist cadres with the violent ideology propagated by the outlawed organization. It also signifies a desire for peace and stability in the region, as well as a recognition of the opportunities available for those willing to abandon insurgency and pursue constructive paths.
The surrender of the two women Maoists is expected to contribute to the ongoing efforts to dismantle Maoist networks and restore peace in the affected areas. It serves as a testament to the effectiveness of rehabilitation initiatives and the willingness of former insurgents to embrace a life free from violence and conflict.
