Another feather in Modi's cap: Record number of Maoists have given up arms since new Govt took guard

New Delhi, Oct 13: Narendra Modi government who have this long lists of achievements, right from foreign diplomacy to new initiatives, has got another feather in his cap.

Reports say that since new government took the guard, the record number of Maoists have surrendered, especially in Bastar district of Chhattisgarh. Home Ministry sources say, that across the country around 395 naxals have surrendered till last month this year. Last year the figure was 206, almost half of this time.

ET report says that most encouraging news is the highest desertions within the insurgent ranks in worst-affected Bastar region. The number has surged to 221 as of October 8, a 20-fold jump from only 11 at the end of May, when new dispensation took the rein in their hand.

It seems well planed strategy of central government along with States cooperation is bearing fruits. Highly optimistic Home ministry official said, "We are hoping that by the end of this year, the total tally crosses 400. Surrenders indicate fatigue setting in the group and if we can get more rebels to lay down arms, it'll be a huge setback for Maoists".

Earlier, in an emotive speech during Independence Day, the Prime Minister had appealed these people to give up the arms. Here is the exact text of the Modi's exhortation.

"I want to ask you to think how green, how beautiful and how beneficial this earth can become if you shoulder the plough instead of the gun which spills blood on this land. How long shall we have bloodshed on this land, how long shall we take the lives of the innocent people and what have we got after all this? The path of violence has not yielded anything to us".

OneIndia