Twenty one armed Maoists from Keshkal region in Chhattisgarh’s Bastar surrendered on Sunday, in a development which, police said, marks “a decisive step towards ending over four decades of extremism in the region”.
The surrendered Maoists included four divisional committee members, nine area committee members and eight party members. Thirteen of the surrendered Maoists are women.
Inspector General (IG) of Police, Bastar Range, Sundarraj P said, “Following the returning of 210 Maoist cadres to the mainstream, including senior Maoist leadership, on October 17, large parts of the Kuemari, and Kiskodo areas — in Keshkal/North Bastar Division area, once considered Maoist strongholds — are now witnessing restoration of peace and normalcy.”
The IG urged the remaining Maoist cadres to return to the mainstream or “be prepared to face the consequences.”
He said, “Today’s surrender of 21 more cadres, including Division Committee Secretary Mukesh, marks yet another decisive step towards ending decades of extremist violence in this belt. With the dismantling of the Kuemari-Kiskodo Area Committee, this region is on the path of stability, development, and community confidence.”
The Maoists also surrendered 18 weapons, nine of which were automatic. These included three AK-47 rifles, four SLR rifles and two INSAS rifles looted from security forces.
The IG urged the remaining Maoist cadres to return to the mainstream or “be prepared to face the consequences.”
