Malkangiri: In a significant development, an ACM (Area Committee Member) rank underground CPI (Maoist) cadre, Sukhram Markam, surrendered before the Malkangiri police on Wednesday, renouncing violence and joining the mainstream.
The cadre, also known as Suresh or Yogesh, was the commander of the Kangerghati Area Committee and a resident of Govindpal village under Puspal police station in Sukma district, Chhattisgarh.
During his surrender, he handed over one SLR rifle, 12 rounds of 7.62 mm ammunition, one magazine, two IEDs (2 kg), 10 meters of codex wire, six crackers, an electric wire, a haversack, a whistle code, a pair of Maoist uniform, two meters of red cloth, a tarpaulin, and a torchlight with batteries.
Speaking at the police station, Markam formally renounced all links with extremist activities, expressing faith in the democratic process. Police officials said his surrender marks a significant blow to the operational and ideological network of Maoists in Malkangiri, pushing the district closer to becoming Naxal-free.
Sukhram Markam was reportedly involved in several violent incidents in Odisha and Chhattisgarh. Police described the surrender as a “major victory” in ongoing efforts to weaken Maoist influence in the region.
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and state police leadership have repeatedly appealed to Maoist cadres to abandon violence and return to the mainstream. Under the state’s new surrender-cum-rehabilitation policy, the surrendered cadre is set to receive a total reward of Rs 21 lakh, an interim relief of Rs 25,000 (already provided), a house under the Antyodaya Gruha Yojana, a one-time marriage incentive of Rs 25,000, and other benefits aimed at smooth reintegration into society.
Malkangiri Superintendent of Police Vinodh Patil H said the development is expected to encourage more cadres to follow suit, strengthen efforts to make Malkangiri a Naxal-free district, and promote peace and development in the region.
