When thousands of hockey fans were cheering for home team India in the high voltage quarter final of the 14thMen’s World Hockey tournament held in Kalinga Stadium here, 30 special guests became the cynosure of all on Thursday.
As part of a mission to mainstream left wing extremists who have surrendered at different points of time, 30 former Maoists (20 from Malkangiri and 10 from Koraput district) were brought to Bhubaneswar to witness the match.
“I had joined the in CPI (Maoist) organization in Malkanagiri district in 2007. I was active for three years. The movement, however, did not result in any development. It is a welcome step that the administration is giving us exposure as to what is happening outside our district,” said Ramesh Madkami, a former left wing extremist.
The surrendered Maoists were seen sitting near Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik who was also present in the stadium. They also greeted Mr. Pantaik. Some of these former extremists were carrying lakhs of rupees on their head before turning to lead normal lives.
“The surrendered Maoists expressed their keenness to watch the hockey match. So we facilitated their entry into the stadium. Moreover, they would be taken to different places of tourist interest,” said Jagamohan Meena, Superintendent of Police, Malkangiri.
