Bhubaneswar: With the surrender of top Maoist leader Sukru and four of his aides, only nine to ten Maoists are now left in Odisha, according to Director General of Police (DGP) Y.B. Khurania.
Addressing the media today, the DGP said Sukru and his four followers are currently in Kandhamal police custody. Their formal surrender process is underway and will be completed after all necessary formalities are fulfilled.
The DGP appealed to the remaining Maoists to shun violence and join the mainstream by taking advantage of the State Government’s Surrender and Rehabilitation Policy. He assured them of full support and benefits under the policy.
“All security forces, including Odisha Police, CRPF, BSF, and DVF, are working relentlessly in anti-Naxal operations with a target to make Odisha Maoist-free by the end of March,” Khurania said. “We are now very close to achieving this mission.”
The surrender of Sukru and his associates is being seen as a major breakthrough in the state’s long-standing fight against Left-Wing Extremism. Senior police officials expressed confidence that with sustained pressure and effective rehabilitation measures, the remaining handful of Maoists will soon lay down arms.
