57 Naxals, 297 sympathisers surrender in Chhattisgrah

Raipur: As many as 57 Naxals and 297 sympathisers surrendered before police in the insurgency-hit Sukma district in Chhattisgarh today, police said.

"Altogether 57 Maoist cadres and 297 sympathisers turned themselves in before the government, police and CRPF officials at Sukma district headquarters. Seventeen of these 57 Maoists were carrying a cash reward on their heads," Sukma Superintendent of Police Indira Kalyan Elesela told PTI.

Seventeen Naxals surrendered along with firearms, he said.

"Cadres are getting increasingly fed up with violent Maoist activities and want to see development in their area," the SP said.

He described the move as a good indicator in the conflict-ridden Bastar region.

Inspector General of Police (Bastar Range) SRP Kalluri, Sukma Collector Neeraj Bansod and other police and CRPF officials were present on the occasion.

The Maoist supporters belong to Kerlapal, Majhipara, Patelpara, Potampara, Borguda, Gondpalli Mosalpara, Jeerampal, Badesatti, Pandupara and other villages of the region, the SP said.

According to the official, the cadres in their statements said that they decided to move away from the Maoists as they were frustrated with continuous exploitation, atrocities and violence by them.

An encouragement amount of Rs 10,000 was given to each of the 57 Maoists, he said, adding that they would be provided assistance as per the rehabilitation policy of the government.

According to the figures provided by the police, with this development, about 1,400 Naxals and their supporters have surrendered before police in separate districts of Bastar division so far this year.