file photo
BHUBANESWAR/MALKANGIRI: A richer package rolled out by Odisha drew 22 Maoist insurgents from neighbouring Chhattisgarh to lay down arms Tuesday, marking the first mass surrender in state this year and coming just three months before Centre’s deadline to end left-wing extremism nationwide. Police credited a revised policy that lifts rewards to nearly 20% above Chhattisgarh’s rates, making Odisha the most lucrative destination for Maoist surrenders.Those who surrendered Tuesday carried a combined bounty of more than Rs 2 crore. Among those who surrendered were 10 women. They handed over nine firearms – an AK-47, two INSAS rifles, one self-loading rifle, three .303 rifles and two single-shot weapons – along with 150 rounds of ammunition and 20kg of explosives.”The Maoists formally renounced violence, severed ties with extremist activities, and pledged faith in democracy. It is a major setback to CPI (Maoist), weakening leadership, morale and operational strength,” Khurania said.Between 2006 and Dec 2025, at least 610 Maoists – largely state, divisional and area committee members – surrendered in Odisha.
