Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Mr. Vishnu Deo Sai on Friday declared the surrender of 208 Naxalites a “historic day” not only for the state but for the entire nation. The unprecedented mass surrender signals a significant victory in the government’s sustained efforts to eradicate Left Wing Extremism and promote socio-economic development in affected regions.
Government’s Commitment to Rehabilitation and Skill Development
Addressing the media, Mr. Sai assured that the State government is committed to rehabilitating the surrendered militants by providing skill development and employment opportunities. “We have continuously urged the extremists to renounce violence and join the mainstream. Today’s surrender is a testament to the success of those efforts,” he stated.
A Landmark Event in Left Wing Extremism Mitigation
The group of 208 includes 110 women and 98 men from various ranks of the banned CPI (Maoist) organisation. Among them were high-ranking cadres such as one Central Committee Member (CCM), four Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee (DKSZC) members, one Regional Committee Member, 21 Divisional Committee Members (DVCMs), 61 Area Committee Members (ACMs), along with party members and armed cadres.
Prominent leaders who laid down arms included Mr. Rupesh alias Satish (CCM), Mr. Bhaskar alias Rajman Mandavi (DKSZC Member), Ms. Ranita (DKSZC Member), Mr. Raju Salam (DKSZC Member), Mr. Dhannu Vetti alias Santu (DKSZC Member), and Mr. Ratan Elam (Regional Committee Member).
Surrender of 153 Lethal Weapons Marks Security Milestone
During the surrender operation, the Maoists handed over 153 weapons including 19 AK-47 rifles, 17 SLR rifles, 23 INSAS rifles, one INSAS LMG, 36.303 rifles, four carbines, one BGL launcher, 41 twelve-bore or single-shot guns, and one pistol. Officials described this as one of the most significant arms recoveries in recent years.
Policy Success: Naxal Eradication and Rehabilitation 2025
Officials credited the breakthrough to the state’s innovative Naxal Eradication and Rehabilitation Policy 2025, which strategically combines infrastructure development, dialogue, and trust-building initiatives to bring militants back to mainstream society.
Liberation of Abujhmad and Prospects for Last Bastions of Naxal Influence
With this mass surrender, most parts of Abujhmad have been freed from Naxal influence, signaling an end to decades of Red terror in North Bastar. “Only South Bastar remains affected,” government officials noted, underlining ongoing efforts to achieve total peace.
