File image | Photo Credit: PTI

New Delhi: The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has said in a report that the lower and middle cadres of the outlawed Communist Party of India (Maoist) have become disenchanted with the top leadership, as they believe the latter have become money-minded. The paramilitary force said the resentment among the cadre is growing and this is the reason why the number of Naxalites surrendering before the security forces is on the rise.

The CRPF has stated these findings in its assessment report after concluding the same from the interrogation of the Maoist cadre who had been arrested. Literature seized from Naxal hideouts also helped the force in arriving at these conclusions.

The Naxal cadre is now of the view that the CPI(Maoist) leadership is not concerned about them anymore and is busy living a ‘good life’. Further, the cadre is also unhappy about the youth finding no place in the state leadership.

"The young leaders are not keen to work in difficult areas. The senior leadership doesn't listen to them even as they enjoy a good life. Due to this, many from the middle level and even senior cadres are surrendering as they are unhappy with the leadership," The Times of India quoted, citing the CRPF assessment report.

Last week, a top Naxal leader - Pahad Singh - with a reward of Rs 47 lakh on his head, surrendered before the police and later said he was disillusioned with the Naxal ideology. He said the lower cadre were “treated like animals” by the leadership.

So far this year, 359 Maoists have given themselves up before the security forces and 217 of these surrendered in the worst-affected Chhattisgarh. Further, better scope in education and government jobs has been among the reasons why tribals are now refusing to join the Maoist ranks.

Together, the decline in new recruitment and the well-coordinated operations by the security forces have dealt a big blow to Maoists' strength and prospects in areas that were once considered their stronghold.

It has also been learned that the CPI(Maoist)’s armed wing, the People's Liberation Guerilla Army (PLGA), is facing a huge "shortage of ammunition" but "the senior leadership is not doing anything about it", the CRPF report said.