CPI(Maoist) Central Committee member surrenders

Hyderabad, Feb 2 (UNI) CPI (Maoist) Central Committee member Lanka Venkata Papi Reddy alias Ranganna surrendered before Andhra Pradesh Home Minister K Jana Reddy here today.

Welcoming the decision of the surrendered Maoist, Mr Reddy said the government would suitably reward the Maoist who surrender. He said the government would not harrass the surrendered Maoists but help them to join the mainstream.

The Government had already rehabilitated 95 per cent of the surrendered Maoists, he said and appealed to the Maoists to shun violence, join the mainstream and work for the people in a democratic way.

He said the surrendered naxalite Pappi Reddy who had joined the Maoist group 27 years back, worked as Deputy Commander in 1983 in Bastar area and was elected to the rank of District committee member in 1987.

The Maoist told media that he surrendered before the Home Minister due to health problem.

UNI BR VA ROY SV HT1947