Deputy CM Fadnavis Hails Maoist Surrender as Victory for Democracy
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Gadchiroli district, where security forces recently eliminated Maoist leaders from the Central Committee and Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee, witnessed the significant surrender of Giridhar and Sangeeta, marking progress towards a Naxal-free future. The surrender ceremony was held at Eklavya Hall in the Gadchiroli Police Headquarters. It included various events such as a meeting of surrendered Maoists, felicitation of C-60 commandos, and aid distribution to beneficiaries.
As a police officer announced their names, the couple, dressed simply, began walking toward the dais. Their faces reflected a mix of anxiety and relief—anxiety from the former Maoist leaders walking amidst policemen and relief from leaving behind a life of violence. Nangsu Tumretti, alias Giridhar, and his wife, Sangeeta Usendi, received a copy of the Constitution of India from Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister of Maharashtra.
Giridhar, also known as Bichu, orders from Javeli Khurd in Etapalli taluka of Gadchiroli district and joined the Naxalites in 1997. Over the years, he climbed the ranks to become a key leader, holding positions such as Commander of Company IV and Secretary of the Company Party Committee. By 2020, he was the Secretary of the South Gadchiroli Division and the Commander of the merged North and South Gadchiroli Divisions. Giridhar had 179 crimes registered against him, including 86 encounters and 15 arsons, with a bounty of Rs 25 lakh on his head. His surrender is a major setback for the Maoists in Central India.
His wife, Sangeeta, alias Lalita Usendi, also from Etapalli taluka, was a member of the Bhamragarh Divisional Committee, with 18 crimes registered against her, including seven encounters and one arson case, carrying a reward of Rs 16 lakh.
The Gadchiroli Police have significantly weakened the Maoist presence in the district through concerted efforts. According to Ankit Goyal, Deputy Inspector General, and Neelotpal, Superintendent of Police, 65 Maoists have been eliminated in 29 encounters since 2021. The elimination of Central Committee members and Divisional Commanders has been a critical blow to the Maoists. This year alone, seven Maoist cadres, including three Divisional Committee Members, were neutralized in encounters in Katrangatta and Muddumudgu forest areas.
During the event, Fadnavis praised Giridhar and Sangeeta's decision to surrender and commit to living by the Constitution of India, noting that Maoists do not recognize democratic values. He highlighted that the lack of Maoist recruitment in Gadchiroli over the past four years contrasts sharply with the 28,000 applications for police recruitment in the same district. This shift indicates the local population's support for the government over the Maoists.
Disillusioned by the false promises of Maoism and frustrated by violence against civilians, many CPI (Maoist) members are drawn to the Maharashtra Government's Surrender-cum-Rehabilitation Policy. Since its implementation in 2005, 664 active Maoists have surrendered to the Gadchiroli Police. Recently, the policy was extended for another two years.
Fadnavis, also the Guardian Minister of Gadchiroli, emphasized that the Maharashtra district is a priority. Efforts are underway to industrialize, improve infrastructure, and enhance the communication network to boost employment opportunities. With the decline of Maoist activities, investor confidence in Gadchiroli is rising, promising a bright future for the district.
The ceremony also included distributing sewing machines, bicycles, laptops, and sprayers to beneficiaries. Fadnavis later reviewed the operational preparedness of the police force at the Commando Training Centre in Kitali, inaugurated new facilities, and witnessed a night operational demonstration by the commandos.
