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