Two minor Maoists surrender in Odisha

Rajashree DashJajpur, July 24: Two minor Maoists surrendered before the police in Jajpur district of Odisha on Thursday.The ultras have been identified as Nandu Palia alias Jata alias Ranjit (14) of Baligotha village and Ghanashyam Samad alias Makara alias Santosh (13) of Mirigichara village under Kalinga Nagar police station limits in the district.Both surrendered before the Jajpur Superintendent of Police in the Kalinga Nagar police station in the afternoon.“Though Nandu and Ghanashyam were armed cadres of the Maoists under Kalinga Nagar Division, they surrendered before police without arms,” said SP Deepak Kumar at a press conference.The two decided to shun violence and join the mainstream as they were disillusioned with Maoist activities, Kumar said.They were influenced to join the Maoists through various inducements last year but after they joined they were tortured by the Maoists and not given food for days together, he said.The surrendered ultras would be rehabilitated as per the government’s rehabilitation policy.Kalinga Nagar Additional Superintendent of Police Pradipta Kumar Sahani was also present during the surrender.“We are trying to rehabilitate the surrendered Maoists, provide them with occupational assistance which will provide them with a livelihood option and help lead a normal life,” Sahani said.He further added that both the surrendered Maoists would be given opportunity to pursue their studies as they are minors.