Around 700 Maoist sympathisers, including 300 militias, on Saturday surrendered before the Odisha police and Border Security Force (BSF) at the Andrahal BSF camp in Malkangiri.

They opposed the Maoist ideology in front of the local people and the media by burning the dress material and literature of Maoists and giving the slogans “Maobadi Murdabad”.

In a press release, Odisha police said: “This is a part of Ghar Wapasi initiative by Odisha police. Motivated by developmental work in the district, they pledged to abhor violence and join the mainstream. Those who surrendered included more than 300 militia including 13 from Kusumput area of Andhra Pradesh.”

The press release further said: “These Maoist supporters used to assist in the violent activities and were involved in the killing of security forces, civilians. They were also supplying logistics to them. The surrendered militias/supporters of Odisha and bordering AP exhibited their opposition towards the Maoist ideology by burning the dress material and effigies of Maoists and gave slogans ‘Maobadi Murdabad, Ama Sarkar Jindabad’.”

“Developmental initiatives of the state government coupled with the strategic deployment of security forces inspired the villagers to join the mainstream,” it further said.

Malkangiri SP Nitesh Wadhwani told The Telegraph, “A visible change is being witnessed over the years. Besides strengthening policing system, we have been trying hard for the economic development of the people living in the area under the instruction of the government. We have been able to instil confidence among people that the police system is there to ensure their safety and security.”