564 Maoists, Highest Ever In A Month, Surrender Post Demonetisation Drive

The lack of funding due to demonetisation, coupled with government’s developmental activities in left-wing extremism affected areas and buildup by security forces, has led to the surrender of 564 Maoists and their sympathisers in the last 28 days, the highest number to do so in a month ever. Out of 564, around 469 Maoists have surrendered before the authorities since November 8, a report in Times of India has revealed. Over 70 per cent of the surrenders have happened in Odisha’s Malkangiri district, where 23 Maoists were eliminated by Andhra Pradesh Greyhounds last month.

Between 2011 and November 15 this year, the total number of Maoist surrenders stands at 3,766, according to the home ministry data. In 2016 alone, 1,399 Maoists have surrendered, highest in the last six years. If compared with the previous months and years, Maoists have not given up arms in such large numbers over a short period of time.

Despite considerable efforts, including attempts to exchange old notes through local contractors, businessmen and sympathisers, these groups have failed to ease the cash crunch. With stringent regulations in place, these groups have failed to keep their supply lines open. Currency shortage has hit their capacity to procure firearms, ammunition, medicines commodities of daily use. Officials in local police and CRPF say that the inability of these groups to pay their cadres has given rise to discontent.