Cooperation was sought from people by putting up posters. (Awakening)
Santosh Kumar Pandey, Angul. Giving further impetus to the campaign against Naxalism, Odisha Police has announced a total reward of Rs 8.40 crore on 18 wanted Maoists.
Following the list released by the police headquarters, posters have been put up in Maoist affected areas appealing to the common people for cooperation. Police have assured that the identity of those giving accurate information regarding Maoists will be kept completely confidential.
According to police, the names of wanted Maoists, their role in the organization and the amount of reward announced are mentioned in the posters, so that people can easily identify them. The aim of this initiative is to weaken the Maoist network at the grassroots level.
In the announced list, the highest reward of Rs 1.20 crore has been kept on top Maoist leader Ganesh Uike. At the same time, a reward of Rs 65 lakh each has been declared on Special Zonal Committee members Sudarshan alias Vikas, Niranjan Raut alias Nikhil, Rashmita Lenka alias Ankita, Krishna alias Sukru and Neetu.
Apart from this, a reward of Rs 37.5 lakh has been placed on two military platoon commanders and Rs 32 lakh each on ten division committee members. Police say that these Maoists have been involved in violent incidents and attacks on security forces in different parts of the state.
Odisha Police has clarified that the announcement of reward and the poster campaign is part of the efforts to free the state from Naxalism. Police assured that anyone with information can contact 9437643839 and his identity will be kept confidential.
The police have also pasted other posters appealing to the Maoists to surrender, along with information about various benefits provided to them by the government. Additional SP of Boudh, Sarthak Rai said that as per the instructions of the government, we are continuing the anti-Maoist operation in Boudh district. We have put up posters appealing to the Maoists to surrender before the police and join the mainstream of society.
He said the Maoists were urged to give up violence and avail the benefits available under the government's surrender policy.