Cadre killings, surrenders have weakened Maoists: Police
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Kandhamal SP Harish B C said the KKBN division has lost at least 15 senior leaders in the last month alone, dealing a significant blow to the outfit's operations in Kandhamal and adjoining Boudh and Nayagarh districts. "Their absence will weaken the Maoist base in these areas," the SP said, adding that anti-Maoist operations in the district have been intensified.
Appealing to Maoists to abandon violence and join the mainstream, the SP said those who surrender will be rehabilitated under the government's surrender and rehabilitation policy.
On June 30, two senior Maoist leaders, including an area committee member, were killed by security forces during an encounter at Pushungia forest under Baliguda police station limits in Kandhamal. Police said the bodies were disposed of on Tuesday after no one came forward to claim them.
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