39 Maoist rebels, sympathisers surrender in Odisha

Malkangiri (Odisha), Mar 08 (ANI): Seven Maoist rebels and 32 sympathisers surrendered before police in Malkangiri district of Odisha state. All 39 people are resident of Kiribati village. The sympathisers told the police that they had supplied food to Maoists, but chose to stop the practice recently. The fear of being targeted by Maoists, made them surrender. Malkangiri Superintendent of Police Mitrabhanu Mahapatra said the surrendered villagers would be extended all facilities to help them join the mainstream under state government’s policy. The Maoists, also known as ‘Naxals’ in India, are inspired by the political philosophy of China's late Chairman Mao Zedong. They say they are fighting for the rights of poor farmers and landless labourers.