VIJAYAWADA: Director General of Police (DGP) Harish Kumar Gupta on Monday declared Andhra Pradesh Naxal-free, stating the menace has ended with nine AOBSZC members surrendering before police.
Central Committee Member (CCM) and secretary of AOBSZC Chelluri Narayana Rao alias Suresh, along with eight cadres belonging to the AOB Special Zonal, Area and Divisional Committees, laid down their arms and joined the public mainstream.
The surrendered cadres handed over their weapons to the police, marking a major breakthrough in the State’s efforts to curb Left-Wing Extremism (LWE).
Addressing a press conference, DGP Harish Kumar Gupta described the development as a major success for the State police, attributing it to sustained intelligence operations, pressure tactics and rehabilitation policies aimed at encouraging Maoists to give up violence.
He termed it a ‘historic milestone’, stating that Naxalism has effectively come to an end in the State.
Govt will facilitate rehabilitation of surrendered Maoists: AP DGP
He noted that the Centre had set a March 31 deadline for Maoists to surrender, following which several Maoists have come forward.
A total of nine Maoists, including Narayana Rao, who spent over 36 years in the movement, surrendered before the police.
Others who surrendered include Podiyam Raje, Kartam Adame, Muchika Masa, Madavi Jogi, Muchika Lakshman and Kaditi Hurre.
“Only through democratic ways of expression can a peaceful society be achieved. To bring extremists and misguided youth back into society, the State government is providing all rehabilitation schemes and support in every possible way. We are happy to declare the State Naxal-free with one day left for the Operation Kagar deadline,” said DGP Harish Kumar Gupta.
The DGP also announced financial incentives for the surrendered Maoists. A reward of Rs 25 lakh had been declared on Narayana Rao, while rewards ranging from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 5 lakh were announced for others.
Officials said the reward amounts would be given to them along with immediate financial assistance of Rs 20,000 each to support their rehabilitation.
Highlighting recent operations, the DGP said 18 Maoists were killed in encounters, and attempts by extremist groups to carry out activities in Krishna, Eluru, Kakinada and Konaseema districts were successfully foiled. Around 50 Maoist operatives were arrested during these operations.
In total, more than 200 Maoists were neutralised.Surrender Maoist Narayana Rao spoke on the occssion and shared his experiences with the police and the media.