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Ranchi, Feb. 18: Nine rebels, including a People Liberation Front of India (PLFI) former zonal commander, laid down their arms at Ranchi’s Kisan Bhavan in Khunti today.
The rebels — seven PLFI men and two members of the CPI(Maoist) — surrendered before inspector general of Ranchi zone M.S. Bhatia, deputy inspector general of South Chotanagpur range Sheetal Oraon, Ranchi senior superintendent of police Saket Kumar Singh and Khunti SP M. Tamilvanan.
The rebels submitted eight country-made rifles, seven 9MM pistols, two carbines and 10 rounds of ammunitions that they had brought with them before the police.
Police said among those who surrendered today was 38-year-old Pankaj Munda who has previously served as the PLFI zonal commander of Murhu and Arki areas. Munda, who recently had floated his own organisation Village Republican Group of India, had more than 10 cases of murder registered against him in Khunti and Gumla.
The other PLFI members who gave in today included Karra (situated in Khunti) area commander Shankarshan Sahu and squad members Raj Kumar Mahto Kishore Munda, Brij Mahto and Shiv Narayan Mahto, all of who were active in Angara area of Ranchi. Apart from them, PLFI member Daniel Lakra, who was active in the Bhandra area of Lohardaga, also surrendered today.
The two Maoists who laid down their weapons were Panda Pahan and Indi Pahan, both of who were active in the Namkum area of Ranchi.
Each of the rebels were provided Rs 50,000 in cash immediately and promised all additional benefits —like three decimal land for construction of house, education for their children, medical benefit and speedy trial at government expense — under the surrender policy of the state.
IG Bhatia confirmed the surrenders and said six of the nine rebels who had surrendered hailed from Ranchi.
The surrenders came a day after a contractor and a para-teacher were killed by PLFI rebels.
The surrenders, a contractor and a para-teacher were kidnapped and killed by PLFI rebels.
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