Raipur/Bijapur: In a significant step toward peace in the Bastar region, 52 cadres of the banned Communist Party of India (Maoist) laid down arms and surrendered to security forces, marking a major success for Chhattisgarh’s anti-Maoist campaign.
The surrender ceremony, themed “Poona Margem: Rehabilitation to Rejuvenation – A New Beginning of Peace and Trust,” highlighted the effectiveness of the state government’s rehabilitation policy combined with development initiatives such as ‘Niyad Nella Nar’.
Profile of the Surrendered Cadres
The group included 21 women and 31 men, collectively carrying bounties worth Rs 1.41 crore. They were associated with prominent Maoist formations such as:
- South Sub-Zonal Bureau
- Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee
- Andhra-Odisha Border Division
- Bhamragarh Area Committee
Several high-profile members were among the surrendering cadres, including:
- Lakkhu Karam alias Anil, DVC member, Rs 8 lakh bounty
- Lakshmi Madvi alias Ratna, PPC member, Rs 8 lakh bounty
- Chinni Sodhi alias Shanti, Bhima Karam, Vishnu Mandavi alias Kiran alias Moti, Moti Korsa – with bounties ranging from Rs 5–8 lakh
The group also comprised ACMs, PPC members, militia commanders, and leaders affiliated with various Maoist organisations and Janatana Sarkar.
Impact of Security Operations and Rehabilitation
The decision to surrender was influenced by sustained joint operations of the District Reserve Guard, Bastar Fighters, Special Task Force, CoBRA, and CRPF, coupled with persistent appeals for peace and development.
Superintendent of Police Dr. Jitendra Kumar Yadav, who presided over the event along with senior CRPF and police officials, called the surrender a pivotal moment in the fight against extremism. He emphasized that the cadres had realized the futility of violence and were now embracing rehabilitation programs that provide financial aid, skill training, housing, and employment opportunities.
Record of Anti-Maoist Success in Bijapur
This surrender adds to Bijapur’s growing achievements in counter-extremism:
- 824 cadres surrendered
- 1,126 arrested
- 223 eliminated in encounters since January 2024
Statewide, over 2,000 Maoists have surrendered under Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai’s leadership, supporting the Union Home Ministry’s target to eliminate Left-Wing Extremism by 2026.
Officials believe the latest surrender will inspire further defections, accelerating the region’s progress toward peace. The move follows similar mass surrenders in Dantewada and Sukma earlier this month, signaling a weakening grip of Maoist influence across Bastar.
One former cadre reflected the shift in mindset, saying:
“We were misled by anti-people ideology; now, we seek a life of trust and development.”
Read also: Chhattisgarh CM Vishnu Deo Sai Launches 71 Development Projects Worth Rs 667 Crore in Tatapani
