Young Maoist's Journey from Guerrilla Warfare to New Beginnings

An 18-year-old Maoist from Jharkhand surrendered to Odisha Police on Tuesday, according to a senior officer's statement. The individual, identified as Umblen Honhaga alias Prabhu, was a local guerrilla squad member of the CPI(Maoist).

Hailing from Halamuli village in the West Singhbhum district, his area, inside the Saranda reserve forest, was frequented by Maoists for supplies. Inducted into the group in 2024, Prabhu became disillusioned with their ideology and the harsh forest life. Intensifying security forces’ operations also contributed to his decision to surrender, as per DIG (Western Range) Brijesh Rai.

Post-surrender, Prabhu is eligible for financial assistance and a marriage incentive, and will receive support for vocational training and education. He stands to gain additional benefits like health cards and subsidized rations under state and central schemes.