Telangana CM assures security to surrendered Maoists

Lay down your arms and return to your villages. The government will ensure your safety and help you rebuild your lives, Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy said on Saturday (March 7), appealing to underground cadres of the banned CPI (Maoist) party to join the mainstream.

The appeal came after 130 Maoist cadres, including several senior leaders, surrendered before the Telangana government in his presence on Saturday. The cadres handed over 124 firearms and 5,205 rounds of live ammunition during the event.

Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said many Maoists had responded to the government’s call and surrendered before the State. He thanked police officials for facilitating their return to the mainstream and providing them support and an opportunity to rebuild their lives. He also acknowledged the efforts of Director General of Police Shivadhar Reddy and Inspector General of Special Intelligence Branch B. Sumathi.

The Chief Minister said society could move forward only with peace and referred to the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi, stating that violence and weapons were not solutions. He urged Maoists who were still underground to surrender and take advantage of the government’s rehabilitation measures.

Mr. Reddy said he had spoken to several former Maoist leaders, including Devji, Damodar and Raji Reddy, and assured them that the government would ensure their safety and well-being.

He said the issue of Naxalism extended beyond Telangana to neighbouring States such as Andhra Pradesh, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and parts of Maharashtra and Karnataka. According to him, the matter had been discussed with the Centre and Union Home Minister Amit Shah had been informed about the situation of senior Maoist leaders and cadres willing to surrender.

Mr. Reddy added that the government would also provide medical cards under the Arogya Bhadratha scheme enabling them to receive treatment at hospitals including Nizam’s Institute of Medical Sciences. Officials are also examining proposals to enhance financial rewards and provide Indiramma houses or land and other support depending on the cadre’s rank and profile.