Jharkhand Maoists surrender in a major development that signals growing cracks within the rebel ranks. Five key Maoist cadres, including divisional committee member Ashwin alias Lacchu, surrendered before the police in Jharkhand. The move marks a serious blow to the Maoist network operating in the forest regions.
Police said Lacchu originally belongs to Bijapur district in Chhattisgarh. He moved to Jharkhand in 2014 along with a group of Maoist members. Over the years, security forces killed or arrested several members of that group during operations.
The Jharkhand Maoists surrender also reflects growing internal disagreements within the camp of senior Maoist leader Misir Besra. Officials say rising pressure from security forces and internal conflicts pushed several cadres to abandon violence.
Authorities added that the rebels chose to return to the mainstream after seeing many Maoists surrender in different states. Government rehabilitation schemes also encouraged them to give up arms.
Security forces continue search operations in the Saranda forest area of West Singhbhum, where some Maoist leaders are believed to be hiding.
