DGP appeals to Maoists to surrender and join mainstream

Telangana Director General of Police B. Shivadhar Reddy on Monday (March 30) appealed to CPI (Maoist) party leaders and cadres operating underground to abandon violence, surrender their weapons and join the democratic mainstream to lead a safe and dignified life.

Referring to an earlier appeal by Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, he said those currently in hiding should return to society and live peacefully with their families.

He said that over the past two years, 721 underground Maoist cadres of various ranks from Telangana and Chhattisgarh had surrendered and joined the mainstream due to sustained efforts by the police. These included four central committee members, 19 state committee members, one regional committee member, 36 divisional committee members, 131 area committee members and 530 party members. All of them were provided benefits, including financial assistance, under the Comprehensive Rehabilitation Scheme and are now living in their native villages.

The appeal was also extended to cadres from Telangana currently active in Maoist organisations in other States. Among those named were Muppalla Lakshmana Rao alias Ganapathi, 72, from Jagtial district, Pusunuri Narahari alias Santosh, 57, from Hanamkonda, Varu Shekhar alias Mangtu, 51, from Secunderabad, Jode Ratha Bai alias Sujatha, 68, from Gadwal, Nakka Susheel alias Rela, 51, from Hyderabad, and Rangaboyina Bhagya alias Roopi, 43, from Siddipet district.

Police said Muppalla Lakshmana Rao was understood to be suffering from age-related health issues and appealed to him to return, assuring that the State government would provide medical treatment in Hyderabad.

During a press conference on March 7, the Chief Minister had made a personal appeal to him to surrender along with other cadres. The DGP said those who return can reunite with their families and utilise their experience for lawful activities.

He urged family members and associates of underground cadres to encourage them to surrender and join the ‘Jan Jeevan Sravanti’. He reiterated that the police would ensure security, dignity and livelihood support for those who give up arms.

“Lay down your arms, return to your families, and become partners in Telangana’s development and peace,” he said.