Kanker: A couple of days after the Maoists killed two villagers in the Bijapur district of the state, 21 rebels, including division committee leaders of the Communist Party of India (Maoist), surrendered in the Kanker district of Chhattisgarh on Sunday.
The squad, including 13 women, surrendered with 18 weapons. These included three AK-47 rifles, P Sundarraj, IG, Bastar Range, said. The cadres were part of the Kuemari/Kiskodo Area Committee of Keshkal Division (North Sub Zonal Bureau), he said.
Among those who surrendered were four division committee members, including secretary Mukesh, nine area committee members and eight others.
Apart from the AK-47 rifles, four Self Loading Rifles (SLRs), two INSAS rifles, six .303 rifles, two single shot rifles and an under Barrel Grenade Launcher (UBGL), Sundarraj said.
The IG called it a “decisive step” in efforts to curb left-wing extremism in the state and said that the rehabilitation and reintegration process for the surrendered cadres is underway.
“Another decisive step was achieved today in Kanker District as 21 more cadres voluntarily returned to the mainstream. This is a significant milestone in our efforts to curb left-wing extremist influence, build community trust, and promote peace and development in Bastar,” he added.
“The rehabilitation and reintegration process for these 21 cadres is underway, reaffirming our commitment to a safer, inclusive, and progressive society. We once again urge the remaining Maoist cadres in the region to choose the path of peace and return to society, or be prepared to face the consequences,” Sundarraj said.