Boudh, May 8: As many as nine Maoists including two women cadres surrendered before Odisha Police here on Wednesday, ahead of the simultaneous elections to Lok Sabha and State assembly.

The surrendered Maoists were the native of Chhattisgarh and were the active members of outlawed Maoist outfit KKBN (Kalahandi-Kandhamal-Boudh-Nayagarh) Division operating in Boudh district, informed Inspector General of Police, Southern Range, Jai Narayan Pankaj.

Speaking to the reporters, Pankaj said that due to the enhanced anti-Naxal operations carried out in the both states, Odisha and Chhattisgarh, the red ultras are surrendering fearing for their lives and are reluctant to cross over to Chhattisgarh because of the tight security cordon due to the elections.

The Maoists, who surrendered, were disturbed and frustrated by the continuous unethical activities in Maoist organization like sexual harassment of female cadre, extortion of funds through intimidation, promoting Ganja cultivation and smuggling, taking levy from Ganja mafias and induction of young boys and girls in the organisation by false promise and propaganda, the senior police officer said.

They will also receive government assistance in accordance with rehabilitation policy applicable for Maoists who join the mainstream, he added.

Meanwhile, security has been tightened ahead of the general elections as Naxals are using Kalahandi, Kandhamal and Boudh corridor to remain connected with the cadres from Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand.

Simultaneous Lok Sabha and assembly elections will be held in Odisha in four phases, starting May 13.

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