Senior police officers said Koraput follows in the footsteps of Nuapada, Nabarangpur and Malkangiri districts, which were earlier declared Maoist-free after similar successes in weakening the extremist network.“Koraput becoming Maoist-free reflects the combined impact of strong security action, people-centric development and effective surrender and rehabilitation policies,” said DIG (south-western range), Kanwar Vishal Singh. Singh said that despite the achievement, the district’s geographical location, bordering Chhattisgarh and Andhra Pradesh, calls for continued vigilance. “We cannot be complacent. Area domination exercises will continue and forces will remain on high alert,” he said.A resident of Lingapuram village under Maratbaka gram panchayat in Bijapur district of Chhattisgarh, Mamata was a member of the AOB military platoon. During her surrender, she formally renounced violence, severed all links with extremist activities and expressed faith in the democratic process.“This surrender is a major setback to the CPI (Maoist) organisation and significantly erodes its leadership, morale and operational strength,” Koraput SP, Rohit Verma, said. Police records show she was involved in at least one major case in Bijapur district and linked to several exchange of fire incidents and anti-govt activities in the bordering areas of Odisha and Chhattisgarh.The DIG said sustained pressure from security forces, disillusionment with Maoist ideology and a leadership vacuum within the organisation contributed to her decision. “Regular appeals by chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi and the state police leadership urging cadres to abandon violence and join the mainstream have also had a strong impact,” he added. Under the state’s surrender-cum-rehabilitation policy, Mamata will receive Rs 5.5 lakh based on her rank and an additional Rs 1.65 lakh for surrendering the SLR rifle, taking the total amount to Rs 7.15 lakh. An interim relief of Rs 50,000 has already been handed over.“We assure that all entitled benefits will be provided promptly so that she can rebuild her life with dignity and security,” Verma said.
