Major Maoist Surrender in Hyderabad Marks Turning Point in Telangana
In a significant development for the state's ongoing anti-Maoist campaign, a total of 130 Maoists surrendered along with 124 firearms in Hyderabad on Saturday. This mass surrender has prompted Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy to issue a direct appeal to the remaining seven Maoists from the state, including the former general secretary Muppala Lakshmana Rao, widely known by his alias Ganapathi, to lay down their arms and reintegrate into mainstream society.
Chief Minister's Appeal and Government's Stance
The chief minister made this heartfelt appeal during a detailed media conference held at the Integrated Command and Control Centre in Hyderabad, where the specifics of the large-scale surrender were officially announced. Of the 130 individuals who surrendered, the breakdown shows 125 hailed from Chhattisgarh, four were from Telangana, and one originated from Andhra Pradesh.
Revanth Reddy disclosed that he had previously raised the concerns of surrendered Maoist leaders during a recent meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Delhi. "The home minister emphasized that civilians should not carry firearms and that Maoists must lay down their arms. I share this opinion wholeheartedly and urge the remaining seven Maoists from Telangana, including Ganapathi, to join the mainstream," the chief minister stated firmly.
Demonstrating a compassionate approach, Revanth Reddy assured that the state government is prepared to review cases against those who have surrendered and, wherever feasible, withdraw them. "The state government is sympathetic towards surrendered Maoists, and we are committed to resolving their issues. While it may not be possible to revoke all cases, we will establish a dedicated committee to conduct a thorough review," he explained.
Commitment to Peaceful Resolution and Gandhian Ideals
Emphasizing the power of democratic processes, the chief minister articulated his belief in Gandhian principles of peaceful struggle. "The ballot is undeniably more powerful than the bullet. I firmly believe that problems should be addressed through democratic dialogue and non-violent means," he remarked, congratulating the surrendered Maoists for their decision to embrace the mainstream.
Revanth Reddy also recalled his recent discussions with senior leaders who had surrendered earlier, hinting at potential government support such as sanctioning Indiramma houses for them. "I engaged in detailed conversations with recently surrendered central committee members, including Devji, Raji Reddy, and Sujatha, to understand their challenges. They have requested an increase in reward amounts, government assistance for medical treatment, and agricultural land. We will issue Aarogya Bhadratha cards to enable them to access treatment at hospitals like NIMS. Additionally, we can provide Indiramma houses and offer as much support as possible," he elaborated.
Composition of Surrendered Maoists and Seized Arsenal
The surrendered group comprised a diverse array of Maoist cadres: 42 were members of the People's Liberation Guerrilla Army, 30 belonged to the Telangana State Committee (TSC), 32 were part of the Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee, 16 were members of the second central regional command company of the TSC, and 10 served as staff for central committee members.
In a substantial haul, police confiscated 124 firearms from the surrendered individuals. This arsenal included 31 AK-47 rifles, 21 INSAS rifles, 20 self-loading rifles, two grenade launchers, eight grenades, and an impressive 5,205 rounds of ammunition. According to guidelines set by the Ministry of Home Affairs, special incentives are provided for surrendering firearms. Collectively, the 130 Maoists were eligible for rewards totaling ₹4.18 crore for turning in these weapons.
Impact on Maoist Infrastructure and Police Recognition
Telangana Director General of Police B. Shivadhar Reddy, who received special appreciation from the chief minister alongside Special Intelligence Branch Inspector General B. Sumathi for their instrumental roles in securing the surrender of 721 Maoists since 2024, highlighted the strategic significance of this event. "This latest development effectively signifies that the Telangana State Committee has ceased to exist," he declared, underscoring a major blow to Maoist organizational structure in the region.
This surrender not only represents a critical milestone in Telangana's efforts to combat left-wing extremism but also showcases the government's dual strategy of firm security measures coupled with rehabilitative outreach to encourage peaceful reintegration.
