MALKANGIRI: In a jolt to the Maoists, five of its militia members gave up arms before Sub-divisional Police Officer M Sandeep Sampad here on Friday.
They have been identified as Muka Madhi, Sukra Sodi, Bhima Kunjami, Malla Kunjami and Munda Madkami. Producing them before mediapersons, Sampad said the surrender is an indication that the tribals, particularly Koya people whom rebels considered as their supporters, are frustrated with the mindless killing of innocent people by the Maoists.
The misguided tribal youths have decided to shun violence and join mainstream, he added.
Muka, Sukra and Bhima are natives of Idikonda village under MV-79 police limits and were working with Kalimela area Committee of Maoists under Andhra-Odisha Border Special Zonal Committee (AOBSZC) since 2008. The two others, Malla belongs to Bodigeta village and Munda to Sudhakonda village under Kalimela police limits.