Senior Maoist Leaders Surrender in Odisha, Police Declare Major Victory
In a significant development for security forces in Odisha, a top Maoist couple, Niranjan Rout and his wife Rashmita Lenka, were among 19 rebels who surrendered before the state police on Friday. This event is being hailed as a pivotal moment in the ongoing campaign against left-wing extremism in the region.
High-Profile Surrender of State Committee Members
Niranjan, also known as Nikhil, and Rashmita, alias Indu, held positions as state committee members within the CPI (Maoist) hierarchy. This rank is the second-highest tier, just below the central committee, indicating their substantial influence and operational roles. Each of them carried a bounty of Rs 55.10 lakh, underscoring their importance to the Maoist organization and the seriousness with which authorities pursued them.
The surrender ceremony unfolded in two phases across different locations in Odisha. Initially, four Maoists, including three women, laid down their arms before the Kandhamal police on Friday. A formal ceremony for the remaining 15 individuals, which includes the high-profile couple Nikhil and Indu, is scheduled to take place in Rayagada on Saturday.
Police Optimistic About Naxal-Free Deadline
Odisha Police officials have expressed strong optimism following these surrenders. Director General of Police Y B Khurania emphasized the state's commitment to meeting the central government's target of achieving a Naxal-free India by March 31. "We are dedicated to fulfilling the Centre's March 31 deadline for a Naxal-free India," Khurania stated. "Only a small number of Maoists remain active in Odisha now. In addition to direct appeals, we are actively engaging with the families and relatives of remaining rebels to encourage them to abandon violence."
Additional Director General (anti-Naxal operations) Sanjeeb Panda provided further details, noting that the four individuals who surrendered in Kandhamal were originally from Chhattisgarh. They held the rank of party members within the Kandhamal-Kalahandi-Boudh-Nayagarh division. "With their surrender, the Boudh district has now been declared Naxal-free," Panda announced, highlighting the tangible progress in specific areas.
A Turning Point in Counter-Insurgency Efforts
The surrender of such high-ranking Maoist figures is being viewed as a potential turning point in the fight against extremism in Odisha. State police officers have described it as "the last nail in the coffin" for Maoist activities in the state, aligning with broader national objectives. This development not only reduces the operational capacity of the insurgents but also serves as a psychological blow, potentially encouraging further surrenders among remaining cadres.
The coordinated efforts of the Odisha Police, combined with community engagement strategies, appear to be yielding results. As the March 31 deadline approaches, authorities remain focused on dismantling the remaining Maoist networks through a combination of persuasive outreach and robust security measures.
