VISAKHAPATNAM: ADDITIONAL pressure in the dalam, lack of medical facility for ill-health in the dense forest and leadership are forcing many Maoists from areas along the Andhra Odisha Border (AOB) and Visakhapatnam agency to surrender. In the last one year, as many as 108 Maoists have surrendered before the Visakhapatnam Rural Police alone, while 129 rebels were arrested.
After the death of VRL Gopal alias Azad in an exchange of fire at Palasamudram on May 4, differences cropped up between the cadres and the leaders. Sopurces said that Chalapathi, who is leading the east division committee now, deals his cadres with arrogance.
Saritha, a surrendered Maoist, on Tuesday said that Chalapthi lacks leadership qualities. “We could not stand Chalapathi’s arrogance.
He doesn’t consider our problems, even health issues. The red rebels have deviated from the ideology,” she said.
With many bidding farewell to arms due to ill-health and other issues, the cadre strength has decreased and the members have additional pressure, she explained, adding that more Maoists were ready to surrender owing to harsh treatment and poor leadership.
Sources said that many women members suffer from gynaec problems, while men suffer from jaundice, diabetes and spondylites. As the police lay siege to the forest region and intensify the combing ops, the rebels are unable to come out for better treatment. Moreover, the top guns have restricted the movement of cadre, fearing police reprisals.
Very recently, area committee member (ACM) of east Visakha joint division Korra Gasi (27) alias Jhansi, who surrendered, also worked as a part time doctor for administering first aid in the forest.
Jhansi said that she had health issues and being in the forest, the dalam members did not allow her to go out of the forest to get treated, a policy of the rebels.
Top Maoist Kudumula Venkata Rao alias Ravi, who had a reward of Rs 20 lakh on his head, also died of jaundice last month. Gemmeli Bando alias Rasso and many others had left squad due to bad health.
Only 40 to 50 rebels left in agency: SP
Rural SP Rahul Dev Sharma said that lack good food in forest environment was makes many ill. “It takes at least three days for Maoists to fetch medicines. As our combing operations continue, they won’t come out of hideouts. We are campaigning rigorously about the benefits of surrender and counselling their parents,” he said. As many as 108 Maoists have surrendered and 129 have been arrested since 2015, the SP said. “Reduction in cadre strength is also putting additional pressure on the remaining. We will also help the surrednered to get jobs,” he said. According to the SP, there are not more than 40 to 50 Maoists in the Vizag agency. With the agency sharing the border with Odisha and being well connected with Malkangiri, the number of rebels keeps changing.