In a significant triumph for Odisha law enforcement, nineteen Maoist insurgents, including a high-profile couple carrying a combined bounty of ₹55 lakh, have surrendered to authorities in two separate locations. This event marks a major breakthrough in the state's ongoing efforts to combat Left Wing Extremism (LWE), especially with the Centre's aim to eradicate LWE by March.

The Director General of Police (DGP), Y.B. Khurania, confirmed the surrenders and assured that all those who give up arms will receive complete support, protection, and assistance under the Odisha government’s rehabilitation and reintegration program. This program aims to facilitate a smooth transition for former Maoists, enabling them to rebuild their lives with dignity and purpose.

Among those who surrendered are Niranjan Rout, alias Nikhil (45), and his wife, Ankita alias Rashmita Lenka (42). Both were state committee members of the CPI (Maoist). Rout and Lenka had a cash reward of ₹55 lakh on their heads. Prior to their surrender, the couple had expressed their desire to lay down their arms in a letter addressed to the Odisha police.

Nikhil, originally from Jagatsinghpur district, and Ankita, from Cuttack’s Tangi area, were active members of the Bansadhara-Ghumusar-Nagabali division. Nikhil has been involved in Maoist activities for the past two decades, operating in the bordering areas of Rayagada, Gajapati, and Kandhamal districts. Along with Nikhil and Ankita, thirteen other cadres surrendered to the Rayagada police. Authorities seized a significant cache of weapons from this group, including two AK-47s, five self-loading rifles (SLR), one Sten gun, one Insas rifle, a .303 rifle, and four single-shot guns.

In a separate surrender, four Maoists laid down one SLR, two .303 rifles, and another gun before the Kandhamal police. DGP Khurania has appealed to other Maoist cadres to follow suit and join the mainstream, reiterating the government's commitment to providing comprehensive support for their rehabilitation.

Security officials believe that the state's rehabilitation policy and sustained dialogue have played a crucial role in persuading Maoists to abandon violence and return to society. The surrender of Nikhil, a prominent Maoist leader, is considered a major setback for Maoist activities in southern Odisha, especially in Rayagada. It is expected to disrupt local Maoist networks and encourage more rebels to give up violence.

Earlier this week, before this large surrender, Odisha police confirmed that they were reviewing a letter from the couple seeking permission to surrender, highlighting the pressure that intensified anti-Maoist operations have placed on these groups. Two women cadres of CPI (Maoist) surrendered before Odisha police in Boudh district on Tuesday.

The Odisha government's proactive approach, coupled with the growing disillusionment among Maoist cadres, is paving the way for a significant reduction in LWE activities in the state.