In a significant development for security forces, twenty-two Maoist insurgents from the neighbouring state of Chhattisgarh laid down their arms in Odisha on Tuesday. This event marks the first mass surrender in the state this year and comes just three months before the Centre's deadline to end left-wing extremism across the nation.
Lucrative Surrender Policy Attracts Insurgents
Police officials credited the successful surrender to a revised state policy that offers financial rewards nearly twenty percent higher than the rates in Chhattisgarh. This strategic move has effectively positioned Odisha as the most lucrative destination for Maoists willing to renounce violence and return to the mainstream.
The group that surrendered carried a combined bounty of more than Rs 2 crore on their heads. Among the twenty-two individuals were ten women. They formally renounced violence, severed all connections with extremist activities, and pledged their faith in democratic processes.
Arsenal and Explosives Handed Over
The surrendered cadre handed over a significant cache of weapons and materials to the authorities. The haul included nine firearms:
- One AK-47 rifle
- Two INSAS rifles
- One self-loading rifle (SLR)
- Three .303 rifles
- Two single-shot weapons
In addition to the weapons, they also surrendered 150 rounds of ammunition and a substantial 20 kilograms of explosives.
A Major Blow to Maoist Leadership
Senior police officer Khurania stated that this surrender deals a major setback to the CPI (Maoist) organization. He emphasized that it weakens the group's leadership structure, damages morale among remaining cadres, and significantly reduces their operational strength in the region.
Historical data reveals that between 2006 and December 2025, at least 610 Maoists have surrendered in Odisha. A large number of these individuals were important members of state, divisional, and area committees within the banned organization. This trend highlights the increasing effectiveness of surrender and rehabilitation policies coupled with sustained security operations.
