79 Naxalites surrender in Chhattisgarh

Raipur, Jan 3 (UNI) As many as 79 persons, including active naxal cadres and members of 'Sangam'- grass root level sympathisers of the Communist Party of India (Maoists)-- surrendered before Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh today.

At a function at the state police headquarters here this evening, the naxals and their sympathisers took oath, expressing faith in the country's Constitution and resolving to return to the national mainstream.

The surrendered ultras and the 'Sangam' members were associated with Keshkal Dalam, Ghurghat Dalam, Barda Dalam and Kiskodo dalam active in Bastar region.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Singh welcomed the surrender by rebels and 'Sangam' members saying that the state already had a 'surrender policy' and a package for rehabilitation for extremists, who wanted to shun violence and return to the mainstream.

State Home Minister Ram Vichar Netam, Additional Chief Secretary (Home) B K S Ray, Director General of police O P Rathor and senior police officials were among those present.

The rebels and sangam members, who had surrendered before the police during the last month, were brought here in buses from Bastar, about 350 km from here, under tight security.

Briefing newsmen about the surrender, Mr Rathor said 29 of the surrendered persons were carrying rewards ranging from Rs 1,500 to Rs 20,000 on their heads, while warrants were pending against 32 others.

Four other naxalites and 12 'Sangam' members were among those who had surrendered.

Pointing out that the surrender was the result of ''community policing'' and other efforts launched by the Bastar police to motivate the misguided youth to return to the mainstream, he said a series of efforts were also taken to instill confidence among the rural masses.

Replying to a question, the DGP said these surrendered naxals could not bring in many weapons, as they had somehow managed to desert the Maoists and approached the police expressing their willingness to the mainstream.

Mr Rathor expressed confidence that the surrender of such a large number of naxals would go a long way in creating a conducive atmosphere to contain the problem of naxalism in tribal Bastar district.

Tribal Bastar region, bordering Andhra Pradesh, was facing serious problem of naxalite violence after local people launched 'Salwa Judum' -- a campaign against the naxalites-- in June 2005.

As Salwa Judum rallies and public meetings spread in South Bastar, the Maoists retaliated with violence, unleashing attacks against the tribals participating in the movement.

Meanwhile, police and para-military forces, including the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Naga battalion, intensified its operations in the region, resulting in death of naxals in encounter with the security forces and arrest of other rebels.

More than 50,000 people, who had to desert their native villages due to threat from the naxals, took shelter in 17 relief camps set up by the state government in South Bastar ever since the 'Salwa Judum' campaign began more than one and a half years ago.

UNI