As security forces gain upper hand, Maoist leader urges cadres to surrender

The one-page communication in Hindi claimed that Sonu Dada surrendered after realising that the armed struggle was no longer feasible due to assertive security forces, organisational errors, and missed opportunities which weakened the Naxalites’ ability to sustain guerrilla warfare

- PRESS TRUST OF INDIA

Amid a wave of mass surrenders that has gripped Naxal strongholds in Chhattisgarh, a senior leader has issued a letter appealing to the cadres to lay down their arms and join the mainstream, citing the crippling blow to the network due to the relentless push by security forces.

Police have acknowledged the letter and appealed to Naxal cadres to shun violence.

‘The one-page communication in Hindi claimed that Sonu Dada (Mallojula Venugopal Rao alias Bhupathi) surrendered after realising that the armed struggle was no longer feasible due to assertive security forces, organisational errors, and missed opportunities which weakened the Naxalites’ ability to sustain guerrilla warfare.

Gariaband Superintendent of Police Nikhil Rakhecha has welcomed the letter, being shared with the media, that was issued in the name of Maoist leader Sunil of the Udanti Area Committee.

The police officer has appealed to all active Naxal cadres to join the mainstream and live a peaceful life.

‘The Udanti Area Committee is active in parts of Gariaband and adjoining regions along the Chhattisgarh-Odisha border.