12 CPI (Maoist) members surrender before police in Telangana''s Bhadradri-Kothagudem district

Hyderabad, Jun 19 (PTI) Twelve members of the outlawed CPI (Maoist) surrendered before police in Bhadradri-Kothagudem district of Telangana, bordering Chhattisgarh, on Thursday.

Those who surrendered include nine male and three female Maoists.

The surrendered naxals include two DVCM (Divisional Committee Members), four ACM (Area Committee Members), two party members, and an equal number of militia members and RPC (Revolutionary People's Committee) members, a police release said.

They decided to leave the path of violence and lead a peaceful life, it said.

They also came to know about the welfare measures provided for surrendered Maoists and the tribal people under 'Operation Chyutha' (support) of the Bhadradri-Kothagudem police, it said.

The 12 surrendered Maoists would be given immediate financial assistance of Rs 25,000 each. An amount of Rs 26 lakh would be deposited in their bank accounts, as per their ranks, after receiving details about their Aadhar cards and bank accounts.

This year, so far, 294 Maoists, including those who laid down arms today, have surrendered in the Bhadradri-Kothagudem district, the release said.

Observing that CPI (Maoist) cadres are at present moving in the Telangana-Chhattisgarh border areas, it said villagers of these areas should not cooperate with the extremists at any cost.

If residents notice any Maoist movement in their villages, they should immediately inform the nearest police stations or senior officers. Recently, the police of Mulugu district arrested 20 Maoist cadres and seized 12 weapons after receiving information from the villagers, it said.

The release said the Telangana government and the police department would provide an immediate reward to Maoists who surrender. Long-term rehabilitation measures would also be provided by collaborating with the Chhattisgarh police.

Asserting that no one from CPI (Maoist) can escape from the legal action of Telangana police if they enter the state, it said a number of naxals lost their lives in encounters in various places, including Karreguttalu in the state, in recent times.

The people of Telangana have a lot of awareness, and they would not trust any outdated and impractical ideology, it said.

The Telangana police appeals to the (Maoist) cadres to surrender voluntarily and join the mainstream, and that the Bhadradri-Kothagudem police would work for the rehabilitation of those who give up arms, the release said.

It said the police department suggests that the Central and state-level leaders of CPI (Maoist) immediately join the mainstream and participate in people's development through democratic means. The police department would make efforts for the special rehabilitation of Maoist leaders who do so, it added. PTI SJR SJR ADB