Two hardcore women Maoists surrendered before Odisha police on Tuesday.

The two from Chhattisgarh alleged that they had been subjected to sexual harassment by the senior cadres in the Maoist camp. They joined the Maoist organisation six years ago.

“Their task was to reactivate the North-South Corridor from Jharkhand to Chhattisgarh through sub-centre Odisha. They have been working in the CPI (Maoists) organisation since 2018 and were involved in several violent incidents both in Chhattisgarh and
Odisha.

“They have surrendered to live a normal life,” said Odisha Police in a press release.

The Odisha police said the two women Maoists were disturbed and frustrated by the continuous unethical activities in Maoist organisations like sexual harassment of female cadre, extortion of funds through intimidation and induction of young boys and girls in the organisation by false promise and propaganda.

“They also expressed that they were disillusioned by the high-handed activities and rude behaviour of senior leaders towards the lower rank cadre, encouraging cannabis cultivation and trade, disruption of the electoral process,” the Odisha police said.

The Odisha police have assured proper rehabilitation of the two Maoists as per the government policy, including financial assistance, homestead land, house build assistance and vocational training with a monthly stipend.

Welcoming the two surrendered Maoist leaders to the mainstream of the society, Inspector General of Police (IGP), Southern Range, Berhampur, Odisha, J.N. Pankaj said: “The women Maoists were subjected to sexual exploitation and asked to take up various odd jobs. As they have surrendered, we will provide them with all assistance to start a new lease of life. We appeal to the Maoists to shun violence, join the mainstream society and partake in development and tribal upliftment.