Members of banned CPI (Maoist) abandon extremism, citing outdated ideology and lack of public support
Bhadradri Kothagudem (Telangana), March 16 – In a significant blow to the banned CPI (Maoist) movement, 64 members, including an Area Committee Member (ACM) from Chhattisgarh, surrendered before the Telangana police on Saturday.
Choosing to abandon Naxalism, they have now opted for a peaceful life under the state government’s rehabilitation program.
“The CPI (Maoist) ideology is outdated, and the movement has lost public trust. The government is ensuring immediate support and rehabilitation for those who surrender,” said a senior police official.
This mass surrender, involving members from various Maoist cadres, is part of a larger trend of extremists reintegrating into society, with 122 Maoists surrendering in the district in just the last two and a half months.
Maoists Abandon Arms for a New Life
🔹 Among the 64 surrendered Maoists were:
- 1 Area Committee Member (ACM) from Chhattisgarh
- 10 Party Members
- 9 RPC Committee Members
- 19 RPC Militia Members
- 11 RPC DAKMS/KMS Members
- 6 RPC CNM Members
- 8 RPC GRD Members
🔹 Telangana’s surrender and rehabilitation policies have played a major role in encouraging Maoists to return to mainstream society.
🔹 Police officials, including IGP (Multi Zone-1) S Chandrasekhar Reddy, Kothagudem SP Rohith Raju, ASP Vikrant Kumar Singh, and CRPF officials, were present during the surrender.
Maoist Movement Losing Ground Among Tribals
Authorities have highlighted that the CPI (Maoist) movement has lost credibility among tribal communities, who once formed its primary base of support.
🔹 Many surrendered members acknowledged that the Maoist ideology is outdated and obstructs development in tribal areas.
🔹 Recent Maoist attacks, including IED blasts that harmed innocent tribals, have further alienated them from the local population.
🔹 “Maoist leaders are terrorizing innocent tribal people instead of helping them,” the police said, urging more cadres to surrender.
Telangana Police’s Open Appeal to Maoists
With the continued surge in Maoist surrenders, Telangana police have extended an open invitation to all remaining extremists to lay down their arms and rejoin society.
“We appeal to any party members willing to surrender to contact their nearest police station or district officials, either in person or through family. The Telangana government is committed to their rehabilitation and welfare,” the police assured.
With more Maoists choosing peace over violence, Telangana is witnessing a major shift in the fight against extremism, paving the way for development and stability in the region.