Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy along with Director General of Police B Shivadhar Reddy, Special Intelligence Branch (SIB) Inspector General B Sumathi and other police officers inspect surrendered weapons after 130 Maoists surrendered in Hyderabad on Saturday (March 7, 2026). | Photo credit: NAGARA GOPAL
Lay down your weapons and return to your villages. The government will ensure your security and help you rebuild your lives, Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy said on Saturday (March 7), urging underground cadres of the banned CPI (Maoist) party to join the mainstream.
The call came after 130 Maoist cadres, including several senior leaders, surrendered to the Telangana government in his presence on Saturday. The cadres handed over 124 firearms and 5,205 rounds of ammunition during the event.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said that many Maoists responded to the government’s call and surrendered before the state. He thanked police officials for allowing him to return to the mainstream and giving him the support and opportunity to rebuild his life. He also appreciated the efforts of Director General of Police Shivadhar Reddy and Inspector General of Special Intelligence Branch B. Sumathi.
The Chief Minister said society can move forward only with peace and referred to the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi, saying that violence and weapons are not the solution. He urged the Maoists who were still underground to surrender and take advantage of the government’s rehabilitation measures.
Mr. Reddy said he spoke to several former Maoist leaders, including Devji, Damodar and Raji Reddy, and assured them that the government would ensure their safety and welfare.
He said the problem of Naxalism has spread beyond Telangana to neighboring states like Andhra Pradesh, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and parts of Maharashtra and Karnataka. According to him, the matter was taken up with the Center and Union Home Minister Amit Shah was apprised of the situation of senior Maoist leaders and cadres willing to surrender.
Mr. Reddy added that the government will also provide medical cards under the Arogya Bhadratha scheme to enable them to receive treatment at hospitals including the Nizam’s Institute of Medical Sciences. Officials are also examining proposals to increase financial rewards and provide Indiramma houses or plots and other support depending on the rank and profile of the cadre.
Published – 7 March 2026 19:10 IST
