Raipur: In a major success for the administration, 66 members of the banned CPI (Maoist), including some top leaders, surrendered across five districts of Chhattisgarh’s Bastar region.
The Naxalites laid down arms in Bijapur, Dantewada, Narayanpur, Kanker, and Sukma, officials said. They were received by police and paramilitary forces personnel. Many of those who surrendered were involved in major strikes against security forces, extortion and weapons training.
The cumulative bounty on the surrendered Maoists exceeds Rs 2.27 crore, officials told India Today, adding that several individuals were long-time fugitives involved in ambushes against security personnel and violent disruption of infrastructure.
Kanker saw the surrender of 13 Naxalites, including 5 women cadres. Among them was a company commander who handled tactical operations and logistics in the North Bastar zone. Others were reportedly involved in extortion from villagers and attacks on road-opening parties. The total bounty declared on the group was Rs 62 lakh.
All the surrendered Maoists will be rehabilitated under Poona Margham, Chhattisgarh’s flagship surrender and reintegration policy. The scheme is designed to help disillusioned insurgents reintegrate into society through financial aid, skill development, and employment support.
Over 1,400 Naxals have surrendered under Poona Margham since 2023, signaling a decisive shift in the Maoist landscape of Bastar.
“This surrender wave clearly shows the ideological grip of the Maoist movement is weakening. Their senior cadres are disillusioned with the hollow promises of the outfit. Poona Margham has emerged as a credible path for reintegration and peace,” P Sundarraj, Inspector General (Bastar Range), told the media outlet.