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Latehar (Jharkhand), Nov 12 (IANS) Two senior activists of banned outfit Jharkhand Jan Mukti Parishad (JJMP), including a sub-zonal commander carrying a reward of Rs 5 lakh, surrendered before the police in Latehar district on Wednesday. The officers provided this information.
The surrendered militants have been identified as JJMP sub-zonal commander Brajesh Yadav alias Rakesh and area commander Awadhesh Lohra alias Rohit.
Both of them laid down their arms at the district headquarters in the presence of Palamu Range Inspector General of Police (IG) Shailendra Kumar Sinha, Latehar Superintendent of Police Kumar Gaurav, CRPF 11th Battalion Commandant Yadram Bunkar and SSB 32nd Battalion Commandant Rajesh Kumar.
Police officials welcomed the duo with bouquets and handed them symbolic checks under the Naxalite surrender and rehabilitation policy of the Jharkhand government. Family members of both the militants were also present on this occasion.
According to the police, Brajesh Yadav, a resident of Kathokatwa village under Bishanpur police station of Gumla district, has been involved in Naxalite activities for almost two decades.
Once a member of the CPI (Maoist), he was arrested in 2010 and released in 2018, after which he joined the JJMP and rose to the rank of sub-zonal commander. He faces 10 criminal cases, including charges of murder, extortion and attacks on security forces.
Area Commander Awadhesh Lohra, resident of Banduwa village under Herhanj police station of Latehar, is wanted in five cases and has been involved in several violent incidents targeting police personnel.
IG Shailendra Kumar Sinha said that due to continuous pressure of security forces and increasing public support, Naxalite influence in Latehar has weakened significantly.
He said, “21 Naxalites have surrendered so far this year. Those who want to return to the mainstream are welcome, but strict action will be taken against those who continue violence.”
Superintendent of Police Kumar Gaurav said that continuous anti-Naxal operations have broken the morale of the militants, and only four to five active JJMP members are now believed to be active in the area.
–IANS
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