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Chhattisgarh's Bastar has seen the highest number of comrades surrendering, which has  lead to a divide between Maoists hailing from surrounding places and leaders from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Growing voices of dissent among Maoists are crippling the rebel movement. Killings of three Maoists in Chhattisgarh are due to the fallout of the growing uprising within the rebel movement.

"In many cases, after killing their own people Maoist leaders have claimed that they were killed in police encounter," said an official who is part of anti-Maoist operations in Chhattisgarh. "The locals feel exploited by the top leadership and look at them as outsiders," said a security official.

The rebel movement has been jolted as more and more comrades surrenders are increasing. The figure was only 282 in 2013 while 671 rebels surrendered last year. This year 157 rebels laid arms in the first four months. Last year there were 91 surrenders in the corresponding period. Chhattisgarh, where Maoists are being targeted by their own leadership, has registered the highest surrender rate with over 70 rebels giving up arms till now in the Bastar area, which is a Maoist stronghold.

By Premji