Raipur (Chhattisgarh) [India], April 15 (HBTV): Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai has confirmed the surrender of Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee (DKSZC) member Papa Rao, stating that the central government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah has set a target to eliminate Naxalism from the country by the end of this month.
Speaking to reporters, Sai said, 'PM Modi and HM Amit Shah have a goal of ending Naxalism in the entire country this month. Papa Rao has surrendered. It is good.'
He also said that the Khelo India National Tribal Games are being hosted in the country for the first time, adding that Chhattisgarh is fortunate to host the event.
Meanwhile, Inspector General of Police, Bastar range, P Sundarraj said that the surrender of DKSZC member and South Sub Zonal Bureau in-charge Papa Rao, along with 17 other Maoist cadres, marks a significant breakthrough in efforts to curb Left Wing Extremism in the Bastar region.
'The surrender of DKSZC member and South Sub Zonal Bureau in-charge Papa Rao, along with 17 other cadres, marks a decisive breakthrough in our sustained efforts to bring an end to Left Wing Extremism in the region. The group of 18 Maoist cadres, including DKSZC member Papa Rao, DVCM Prakash Madvi, and DVCM Anil Tatti, has reached out to the government expressing their willingness to shun violence and embrace a peaceful life in the mainstream. As part of the surrender process, they will be handing over AK-47 rifles and other weapons,' he said.
He added that out of the 18 surrendered Maoist cadres, seven are women and that the formal reintegration process will be carried out subsequently.
'Out of the 18 surrendered cadres, seven are female cadres. The formal reintegration process of all 18 surrendered cadres from the South Sub Zonal Bureau area, including DKSZC member Papa Rao, will be carried out subsequently,' Sundarraj said.
(ANI)