94 Maoist supporters, ultras surrender in Odisha's Malkangiri

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Malkangiri (Odisha): As many as 94 Maoist supporters and 52 militia members have surrendered before Malkangiri police.

This is a big blow to the Maoists as the surrenders have taken place close on the heels of the killing of at least 28 rebels in a fierce encounter with Odisha and Andhra Pradesh police on October 24 in the district, police said today.

Those who have surrendered were from Sudhakonda and Radulkonda villages under Kalimela Block and included five women and nine village commitee members, police said, adding that they surrendered before Malkangiri SP Mitrabhanu Mohapatra.

They have pledged to dissociate themselves from Maoist activities and to remain in the social mainstream for the development of the backward region, the SP said.

They would be provided benefits in accordance with the state government's surrender and rehabilitation policy, Mohapatra said.