2 women Maoists surrender in Odisha

Malkangiri: Two women Maoist activists surrendered before the police in Odisha`s Malkangiri district on Sunday alleging harassment and torture by seniors. The two were identified as Gita Kunjami (25) alias Jamuna of Badigata in Kalimela area and Saita Pangi (22) of Chitrakonda area, Deputy Superintendent of Police P K Bagh said. While Jamuna had been an area committee member of Kalimela Maoist Dalam since 2007, Saita had joined the rebel outfit in 2012, he said, adding that both the women had been imparted training in handling of different weapons. The two were also engaged by the rebels in various programmes and cultural activities as part of their strategy to woo the youths, police sources said. Impressed by the creative talents and acting skills of the two women, Maoists had persuaded and inducted them into their fold to use them for attracting others towards the banned outfit, they said. However, the two women decided to quit the organisation and return to the social mainstream as they were disillusioned due to torture and harassment by senior ultras.